Our approach

We improve access to safe water, hygiene and toilets in the world’s poorest communities.


What we do     |     The crisis      |     Our Approach     |     Our Impact


Our Approach: Influencing Change

To make change happen we influence those people with the power to act. We bring our supporters and local communities together to encourage decision-makers to make the necessary investment in water and sanitation.

We work with local partners to help communities access safe water and sanitation. And we use our experience and research to influence decision-makers to do more to provide these vital services.

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We work in partnership with local organizations to help the poorest and most marginalized communities to set up practical and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene projects that meet their real needs.

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WaterAid regularly produces materials about policy and practice in water, sanitation and hygiene. A comprehensive listing of all publications is available on our WaterAid global website at the link below.

Wateraid Publications

How do we influence?

We won’t change the situation on our own.

Because changing the policies of governments and other powerful institutions is an effective way of reaching millions more people with water and sanitation, we work hard to influence their decisions.

By bringing together as many voices as possible – supporters, local communities, civil society, business, service providers – we have a better chance of getting the change we want. Our incredible supporters, and communities campaigning across the world, help to keep the water and sanitation crisis at the top of the agenda.

Alongside partners, we gather research and provide evidence of why water and sanitation are so important. We then present this information to decision-makers – locally, nationally and internationally – to make sure that our arguments are heard loud and clear.

You can also watch this short video to find out more:

Influencing decision makers

Changing the policies of governments and other powerful institutions is an effective way of reaching millions more people with water and sanitation. Our policy teams work with our partners to gather research and evidence. We then present this information to decision-makers – locally, nationally and internationally – and work with them to put our recommendations into practice.

This video has captions for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The ‘Captions’ button on the bottom of the player turns them on and off.

Campaigning in Canada

If we want to create a world where everyone’s basic human rights to clean water and sanitation are met, it’s going to take more than just the public’s concern, commitment and contributions. It’s going to require a concerted effort on behalf of the international community, including the Canadian government, to mobilize their collective resources to end this crisis!

Half the hospital beds in developing countries are filled with people suffering from diseases caused by dirty water and poor sanitation.Half the hospital beds - graphic