Water Security
3,279,336 million
people have accessed safe water services in 2021
266
healthcare facilities, schools supported with WASH services
16 million
people are supported with 51 projects in 27 countries
Photo by Sedera Ramanitra for CRS
Our Work Overseas
About Water Security
Water security means water is effectively and holistically managed to support human well-being, socio-economic development and the environment, with an emphasis on ensuring equitable access to safe water and sanitation for the very poor, the vulnerable and disaster-affected populations.
Ensuring that all communities live in a water-secure world is foundational to humanitarian and development programs at Catholic Relief Services. As Pope Francis noted at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in February 2018, “The right to water is essential for the survival of persons and decisive for the future of humanity.”
CRS water security work, grounded on human rights, health, dignity and socio-economic development, addresses all the targets of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 to ensure that all people live in a water-secure world. Our Global Water Security Strategy for 2030 centers on Water in Sustainable Landscapes, WASHE services in development and humanitarian contexts, and WASH governance and financial investments.
Please contact us directly at:
[email protected]
Source Water Protection Toolbox and Repository
Funded by the Osprey Foundation and in partnership with the Agenda for Change, this toolbox and repository provides information on CRS’s source water protection (SWP) programming benchmark; discusses methodology for SWP at the country program (CP) scale; and shares results and learnings with Agenda for Change members and others. Project findings are for policy makers, conservation organizations, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and anyone else interested in integrating SWP programming into their efforts.
Learn more about the Source Water Protection Toolbox and Repository
Program Subsectors
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Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
Access to clean water and sanitation is vital in an emergency. Learn about our work in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) › -
Water Resources and WASH Governance and Finance
Water-related violence is common in many parts of the world. Learn about our work in Water Resources and WASH Governance and Finance › -
Water in Sustainable Landscapes
CRS knows the importance of the environment on adequate water supply. Learn about our work in Water in Sustainable Landscapes ›
Our Impact
The World Health Organization reports 844 million people don't have access to safe water. About 2.3 billion people are living without access to improved sanitation. That means 1 in 9 people on the planet don't have clean water close to home. One in 3 don't have a decent toilet.
Our diverse programming seeks to improve the health, future and environment of the people we serve.
Capacity at a Glance
Experience: 50+ years
Investing: $13.32 million for water programs in fiscal year 2021
Staff: 300+ professional working with local communities, governments, sector partners and private companies.
Rwanda’s Community Health Clubs Help Improve Hygiene and Sanitation
Properly constructed latrines diminish risk of disease and also offer a sense of privacy and security.Read more
Research & Publications
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Papers/Reports
Water Security Strategy 2030
A Water Secure World for All
Water is effectively and holistically managed to support human well-being, socio-economic development, and the environment—with an emphasis on ensuring equitable access to safe water and sanitation for the very poor, the vulnerable, and disaster-affected populations. More
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Papers/Reports
WATER STRATEGY 2019-2030
A Water Secure World For All
WHAT DOES “WATER SECURE” MEAN? “Water security” is when water is effectively and holistically managed to support human well-being, socio-economic development and the environment with an emphasis on ensuring equitable access to safe water and sanitation for the very poor, the vulnerable, and disaster-affected populations. More
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