Water For People, a nonprofit established to address the global water crisis, stands apart from other organizations by taking the long view when employing solutions.
The group was formed in 1989 when dedicated members of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) took it upon themselves to apply their expertise in water resources to a more global vision of providing clean water and suitable sanitation to those in the world who need it most.
Since then, Water For People has developed programs in Central America, Asia, South America and Africa that are spread over eleven countries where abundant safe water and sanitation are in the shortest supply.
Water For People focuses on building local coalitions that have a vested long-term interest in developing water resources using sustainable methods, which involves training and education by sponsored volunteers. The organization accomplishes this through its World Water Corps volunteer program, wherein specialists travel to locations identified as having a critical need for assistance and helping to create a lasting infrastructure.
This mission requires solid relationships and support that Water For People develops through AWWA and many other organizations, including the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment Federation and the Water Quality Association among others.
These agencies bring a vast amount of expertise to the Water For People team, as well as a very qualified pool of volunteers that attracts the attention of funders and donors that feel strongly about investing in organizations with a solid knowledge base and a proven track record.
Water For People, although stressing its mission as one of sustainable availability of clean water and adequate sanitation, delivers quantifiable results that it measures with its Field-Level Operations Watch (FLOW) system of monitoring.
This is an important and unique aspect of the organization that provides an additional level of transparency, and helps committee members, employees, volunteers and donors see measurable benefits with what works, as well as where areas that can be improved.