Global Water and Sanitation Issues

Water and Sanitation Problems 780 million people lack access to an improved water source; approximately one in nine people. 2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation; 1.1 billion still practice open defecation. Around 1.5 million child deaths each year - nearly one in five – are caused by diarrhea. An estimated 200 million hours are spent each day globally collecting water.

Problems in sub-Saharan Africa Widespread poverty combined with other problems like a lack of rainfall and poor infrastructure make clean water and good sanitation very difficult to access in many areas Dirty water from an unprotected wellOpen defecation in unsafe “toilets” 37% of the global population without clean water live in sub-Saharan Africa.

150 litres a day on averageLess than 10 litres Water use in the UK Water use in much of sub-Saharan Africa

Solutions There are solutions to these problems, many of which seem simple, such as digging sealed wells to access clean groundwater and improving hygiene and sanitation by digging safe toilet pits away from water sources and communal areas. However many potential solutions in sub-Saharan Africa are limited by a number of other factors. These can include: - Limited funding for solutions. - Lack of basic infrastructure. - Poor management of projects. - Limited access to resources.

Pump Aid is a water and sanitation charity that is helping to provide a solution. It works in Malawi, Liberia and Zimbabwe in sub-Saharan Africa to provide clean water and good sanitation facilities to as many people as possible, particularly in rural areas.

The Elephant Pump

The Elephant Toilet

Sustainability Longer lasting benefits to the greatest number of people Building partnerships for long term support Training within the communityLocal builders using locally sourced materials

Wider Impacts

Health Clean water and sanitation facilities can improve health conditions massively and decrease the occurrence of water-borne disease significantly.

Economic development Water can be used to grow crops which can be sold. Also, more accessible water means time is save collecting it, which frees up time to work.

Education Access to water and sanitation means that children are healthier and can go to school more. Also without having to go so far to get water, they have more time for school.

Women & Children Locally available water means women and children don’t have to go on the long and often dangerous journey to collect water. This brings many benefits along with improved health and wellbeing.

Food security Water from an Elephant Pump can be used to grow food, which can be scarce when there’s a lack of water.

Getting involved Pump Aid can’t do the good work that it does without support from people like you. There are a number of ways in which anyone can help to raise people’s awareness of global water and sanitation issues and the work Pump Aid does, and raise money. here are just a few ideas and examples of activities that you could get involved with.

Fundraising Water pistol challenges, obstacle courses, or if a teacher is willing to volunteer, sponge the teacher! Sponsored events such as bike rides or a walk for water. A cake sale or breakfast sale. Big games of football, dodge ball or remote control car racing.

Activities Create your own advertising campaign. Read letters from school children before and after an Elephant Pump was installed. See what life is like living without running water. Watch video clips and test your Pump Aid knowledge with a quiz.