Food, water, and shelter—the basic necessities of life—are scarce for millions of people around the world. Yet even when these resources are technically obtainable, they may not be available in a format that supports healthy living.

Approximately 115 million people worldwide depend on untreated surface water for their daily needs, and more than 2 billion lack a safely managed source of water.¹ Contaminated water can cause cholera, dysentery, hepatitis, and other life-threatening diseases, which could be prevented with essential sanitation.