Global Water and Sanitation Issues

Water and Sanitation Problems780 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 AfricaWidespread 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 well Open defecation in unsafe “toilets”

37% of the global population without clean water live in sub-Saharan Africa.

150 litres a day on average Less than 10 litres

Water use in the UK

Water use in much ofsub-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 community Local builders using locally sourced materials

Wider Impacts

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

Economic developmentWater 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.

EducationAccess 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 & ChildrenLocally 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 securityWater from an Elephant Pump can be used to grow food, which can be scarce when there’s a lack of water.

Getting involvedPump 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.