Our Mission:

Water 1st International's mission is to serve people in the poorest communities in the world as they implement community-managed projects that integrate water supply, sanitation, and health education.

Water 1st unites people to fight this worldwide, silent catastrophe. We believe the global water crisis will be solved when we build a community of concerned individuals, and mobilize them to take simple, effective actions.

Our Vision:

We envision a world free of extreme poverty. Providing people with safe water systems, toilets, and hygiene education is the 1st step to ending the cycle of poverty, illness, and inequality.

Our Guiding Beliefs:

• Access to water and toilets is a basic human right.
• Providing people with safe water systems, toilets, and hygiene education is the first step to ending the cycle of poverty, illness, and inequality.
• We support integrated water, sanitation, and hygiene education projects to provide the maximum impact on the health of beneficiary communities.
• Water projects allow children to be healthy and well-nourished so they no longer need to sacrifice attending school, studying, or playing to spend time collecting water.
• Water and sanitation projects are the foundation on which communities are built. Water projects reduce women’s daily work load and allow them to devote their energies to the activities that build a strong community.
• The individuals and communities who benefit from Water 1st-supported projects must be involved in all aspects of planning, implementation, and long-term operation and maintenance of their projects. They should make informed choices about the projects that best suit their needs.
• Water 1st supports the work of in-country partner organizations who have a unique understanding of local needs, and have proven their ability to undertake sustainable and appropriate water, sanitation, and hygiene education projects.
• A vital part of our work is sharing experience and learning with our partners and other organizations working to end poverty and the global water crisis.
• The dedication of the Water 1st staff, board, volunteers, supporters, and local partner organizations is crucial to our success.