How much does it cost to provide sustainable, clean water?

Every water project works on the day it is inaugurated. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, one-time investment in a community, building a foundation on which a community can continue to solve its own water and sanitation problems for life.

The cost of this type of investment depends on many factors. Our projects average $75 per person (including all overhead costs) and provide a comprehensive, dignified and respectful solution to this complex problem.

Our solution includes:

• convenient, clean water – ending the walk for water and making it possible for our beneficiaries to use more water for hand-washing, bathing and cooking
• toilets – a critical step in controlling disease and providing privacy and dignity
• hygiene education
• water-system management education – setting up a structure for future system operations and upgrades and allowing women to take on leadership positions
• developing the capabilities of local people
• backing up our claims of sustainability

We believe the best solutions focus on people and a process, rather than a product. Our projects may cost more up front compared to other groups, but they last longer, provide better results, and are most respectful of human dignity. In other words, we build water systems and toilets that we would be happy to use ourselves.

We build water systems and toilets that we would be happy to use ourselves.

FAQs about project costs

• What are your direct project costs in the countries where you work
• Other organizations report costs of $20-$25 per person for safe water, but Water 1st costs are $50 or more per person. Why?
• Why should I give to Water 1st when there are other organizations that send 100% of my donation to building wells?