Water 1st International
Water 1st International is a non-profit organization whose stated goal is helping people in poor countries implement water, sanitation and hygiene education projects. Water 1st works through locally based partner organizations to support the implementation of projects that include the provision of drinking water, hygiene education, and sanitary latrines. It is based in Seattle, Washington, and to date has supported the construction of 1,100 water systems in India, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Honduras benefiting over 120,000 people. To help ensure long-term sustainability, the communities supported by Water 1st are involved in every step of the planning, implementing and financing of their projects.
Water 1st is a member of the End Water Poverty coalition and Water Advocates.
In 2008, Water 1st launched a new event called CARRY 5. CARRY 5 is a Walk for Water to raise awareness of the global water crisis and funds to support the implementation of projects. In 2009–10, there were multiple CARRY 5 events in Seattle and other locations worldwide.
Water 1st is working with schools to educate children about the global water crisis. As part of this effort, they have created a media library on their website and on YouTube.
