How Clean Is Your Water? Safe Drinking Water and What You Can Do

In October 2010, thousands of bloggers took part in Blog Action Day, an annual event in which writers around the world published posts on a shared theme. That year's theme was water. More than fifteen years later, the question remains important: how clean is your water, and what about everyone else's?

The global picture

Turning on a tap and getting safe water is something many of us take for granted. For a large share of the world's population, it isn't guaranteed.

In August 2025, the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme, which tracks global progress on water, sanitation and hygiene, reported that around 2.1 billion people, about one in four worldwide, still lacked access to safely managed drinking water in 2024. "Safely managed" means water from an improved source that is available on premises, available when needed and free from contamination.

The report noted that progress has been made since 2015, but large inequalities remain between and within countries, and between rural and urban areas.

Why it matters

Unsafe water and poor sanitation contribute to diseases such as diarrhoea, which remains a serious cause of illness and death, especially among young children in low-income countries. Lack of nearby water also costs time: in many places, collecting water falls largely on women and girls, taking time away from school, work and rest.

What about your water?

In many high-income countries, tap water is regulated and tested regularly. But problems can still occur, from ageing pipes to contamination events.

Check your water quality report. In the US, community water systems are required to provide customers with an annual Consumer Confidence Report describing their water quality. Many other countries have similar public reporting. Look for your water supplier's report online.

Know about your pipes. Older homes may have lead pipes or fittings. If you're concerned, contact your water supplier or local health authority about testing.

Private wells are usually the owner's responsibility to test. Local health departments can advise on what to test for and how often.

Reduce waste

Even where water is plentiful, treating and pumping it uses energy. In drought-prone areas, conservation matters even more.

Fix leaking taps and toilets.
Take shorter showers.
Run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads.
Water gardens in the early morning or evening.
Collect rainwater for plants.

How to help globally

Give to effective organisations. Many charities work on water, sanitation and hygiene. Look for organisations that publish clear information about their work and results, and consider charity evaluators such as GiveWell when choosing where to give.

Support long-term solutions. Sustainable water projects involve local communities, maintenance plans and sanitation alongside water supply.

Stay informed. Follow updates from organisations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization.

Raise awareness. Share accurate information and encourage others to learn about the issue.

A moment of gratitude

Next time you turn on a tap and drink clean water, take a moment to appreciate it. Gratitude for everyday things can also motivate us to help others gain access to them.

Try this

Find your local water quality report and read it. Then choose one way to reduce water waste at home and one way to support global water access.

Sources and further reading

Questions people ask

Is bottled water safer than tap water?

Not necessarily. Where tap water is regulated and tested, it's generally safe, and your supplier's water quality report will tell you more.