Clean water is only part of the story in bringing lasting health changes to rural communities. To achieve the greatest health benefits, improvements in sanitation and hygiene must be made alongside access to clean water.

These three disciplines—Water Access, Sanitation, and Hygiene—commonly referred to as “WASH,” can virtually eliminate waterborne diseases. The three components of WASH are grouped together because of their interdependence; one cannot be fully realized without the other.

Teaching sanitation and hygiene habits helps to ensure that communities can continue to make progress and maintain clean water after organizations leave and programs end.