Tap Water Facts

 

The Situation

• - More than 5,000 children are dying every day as a result of water-borne diseases
• - For each dollar spent on water and sanitation projects, the projected return on investment is from $3 to $34

 

How UNICEF Helps

• - UNICEF works to improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities, while promoting safe hygiene practices in more than 90 countries around the world
• - More than 1.2 billion people gained access to improved drinking water between 1990 and 2004 through UNICEF's efforts, and about 1.2 billion gained access to improved sanitation facilities
• - UNICEF's goal is to cut the number of people without sustainable access to safe water and basic sanitation in half by 2015

 

World Water Day

 

In 1992 the United Nations General Assembly declared March 22nd of each year World Water Day. Countries are invited to devote the day to the conservation and development of water resources. As a result, conferences, round tables, seminars and exhibitions are held worldwide to promote public awareness of this global issue.

 

In 2007, a grassroots initiative called the Tap Project was created, which helps UNICEF provide clean water to children around the world. Initially launched in New York City, the programme was piloted in New Zealand in 2008.

 

In 2008, the UN World Water Day theme is the "Year of Sanitation", with an overall goal of fostering economic and social development by accelerating progress of sanitation facilities.