We Take Clean Water for Granted

As we travel around the world, we are constantly aware of water. Typically, we can't risk drinking the local water, and we often suffer minor illness at some point in a journey despite taking all the necessary precautions. But mostly, we stay healthy. We're fortunate to have easy access to bottled water wherever we go.

The locals are often not as fortunate. In some places, they can drink the water with impunity. Their bodies are accustomed to bacteria that would give us endless discomfort. But often, the water is completely undrinkable, even for locals. We see the evidence in illness and in the constant litter of plastic bottles. 

In some places we visit, drinkable water is almost a non-issue because they hardly have access to water at all. The landscape is parched and water sources are few and far between. We've heard stories of mothers and teen-age daughters walking miles to get water from a well or a stream. Girls are often kept home from school to tend to their "job" of providing the family with water.

Into this void steps a group called charity:water. Their mission is quite simply to provide potable water to villages around the world. When they go to a village and drill a well, this is the result: 

"Water changes everything. Preventable waterborne diseases are drastically reduced. Long walks to muddy ponds and rivers are no longer necessary. Time spent collecting water goes down, which gives women a chance to earn an income and children a chance at a better education. Clean water offers improved health, a higher quality of life and hope for a better future."

So many worthy causes solicit our help. It's hard to choose. But I think everyone is entitled to drinkable water and this group is making a difference.