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: washe@crs.org

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.

Explore the regions where CRS is transforming lives through your generosity. From Africa to Latin America, discover stories of hope and resilience across the globe.