Businesses and most people have many reasons to be involved with non-profit, humanitarian organizations. However, members of the water industry have a unique responsibility in saving lives, nations and our future. With each passing study, prediction and outlook of our world's future, water has become our most precious resource.

Countries around the world, including some previously water-rich nations, continue to struggle with providing adequate, clean water. Water treatment professionals, who fully understand the importance of quality water, have ideal expertise to lend a hand and share knowledge and know-how with these regions.

Critical situations

We can no longer say that water shortages and quality issues do not affect us. As our industry continues to expand internationally, populations swell and the Internet brings us closer together, these discussions will become more prevalent. Solutions start with awareness.

"The lack of access to safe water is the primary cause of hunger, disease and poverty throughout the world today. For the most part, hunger problems are due to inadequate water for agriculture and livestock [to live]. People go hungry and become weak, allowing disease to run its course. Daily, tens of thousands of men, women and children die from preventable diseases directly related to drinking contaminated water. When you're suffering from hunger and water-borne diseases, poverty is a foregone conclusion," says Kathleen Kuepper, who is the program manager for Global Water, adding that water is worth more than gold and is more crucial for survival above all other resources on Earth.

According to Kuepper, a lack of clean water starts a domino effect toward endless poverty. Without water quality, sick children lack the energy to go to school and learn, and weak young men lack the drive to work hard — and so poverty continues.

Statistics show that almost one billion people are without access to clean, safe drinking water. Additionally, 4,500 children die every day from water-borne illnesses. Providing clean, safe drinking water to those in need must remain a focus of our industry.

"These statistics are unnecessary and unacceptable," asserts Guillermo Guzman, who is the president of H₂O International Inc. and CEO and founder of the Wishing Well International Foundation (WWIF). "It is time we do something as an industry. Many of us contribute to charitable organizations, but very few are involved with organizations that have water and hygiene as its main focus."

A social responsibility

As mentioned, there are many reasons to donate your time, money and resources to these organizations. Along with good charitable feelings, businesses can leverage their participation as a bottom line strategy. Today, there is a significant customer impact when companies market their charitable ways on labeling and marketing materials.

"Consumers like the idea of buying products where a portion of the proceeds go to a charitable organization," confirms Guzman. "Dealers can set up a program where a small percentage of the proceeds go to a charity. It is especially important to be involved with organizations with a mission related to your industry."

According to Guzman, more and more companies are exercising social corporate responsibility (SCR) and consumers like the idea of being involved with these companies. "It's that ‘feel good effect' that consumers will get knowing they are helping others with their purchase that will bring them to companies with a SCR program in place," he says.

In addition, organizations like Global Water and Wishing Well International Foundation advertise sponsors and businesses that donate on their websites, which draws more attention and prospects to your company. Positioning your company as being "community-minded" and willing to give back to the world are powerful statements in a competitive market.

The impact of bringing clean, safe water to nations and people in need is immeasurable and of utmost importance. Access to clean water has the ability to end poverty and result in a complete transformation, concludes Kuepper. For many, water means new potential and hope for a better tomorrow.

To learn more about Global Water, please visit www.globalwater.org.

To learn more about the Wishing Well International Foundation, visit www.wishingwellintl.org.