WFP | Viega Foundation

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WATER FOR PEOPLE:
COMMUNITIES SHAPING WATER ACCESS.

USA | STATUS: CURRENT

In the United States, access to safe water and sanitation is not a given for everyone. Water For People works with communities that are disproportionately affected by these inequalities, supporting them to strengthen their voice, build local capacity and shape sustainable solutions.

Left: Water Leadership Institute alumni conducting a site visit and testing water quality.

WATER FOR PEOPLE:
COMMUNITIES SHAPING WATER ACCESS.

Water For People is an international nonprofit organization working to ensure that everyone has access to reliable and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene services. In the United States, the organization focuses its work on communities that continue to face significant barriers to safe and equitable WASH access.

In Southern Arizona, Water For People brings together community members, water professionals, local organizations and decision-makers to strengthen local leadership and develop solutions that respond to the needs of communities.

Left: Water Leadership Institute alumni conducting a site visit and testing water quality.

WATER FOR PEOPLE:
COMMUNITIES SHAPING WATER ACCESS.

Despite the high standard of living in the United States, millions of people still lack reliable access to running water or basic plumbing. The burden is particularly high for so-called frontline communities, including Native Nations and colonia communities along the U.S.-Mexico border. These communities are affected by water scarcity, poor water quality, climate vulnerability and long-standing underinvestment in water infrastructure.

At the same time, the people most affected by these challenges often have limited opportunities to participate in the decisions that shape their water future. In Southern Arizona, this creates a gap not only in access to water services, but also in representation, knowledge and influence.

Left: Water Leadership Institute alumni conducting a site visit and testing water quality.

WATER FOR PEOPLE:
COMMUNITIES SHAPING WATER ACCESS.

The Viega Foundation supports Water For People in expanding its Water Leadership Institute (WLI) in Southern Arizona. The project will provide community members with knowledge, leadership skills and networks to engage in local water decision-making and advocate for community-driven solutions to improve access to drinking water.

It also strengthens the WLI alumni network, connecting graduates for continued exchange, professional development and joint action. Community partners and alumni will learn to organise initiatives – from water testing and river clean-ups to advocacy and awareness activities.

The project aims to strengthen the voice of frontline communities in water governance and create lasting structures for community-led water solutions.

Left: Water Leadership Institute alumni conducting a site visit and testing water quality.