Take action to support global water security
Final signatures have already been sent to the U.S. Congress for this petition. But you can still make a difference today — visit our advocacy page for more ways to help. Thank you!
Almost 2 billion people around the world do not have access to basic drinking water services. In March 2023, world leaders came together to develop a bold agenda to address the water crisis. Now, we need the U.S. to step up and commit to sound, equitable water policies.
Take action: Sign our petition before September 14, 2023.
We’re calling on the U.S. Congress to support water policies that prioritize conflict-sensitive and climate-smart approaches, and improve inclusive, equitable water governance.
Here is the letter we will send to Congress on your behalf:
Dear Member of Congress,
In March, world leaders, civil society, and the private sector gathered at the United Nations for the first UN Water Conference since 1977 to take stock of progress made towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, ensuring access to water and sanitation for all.
As your constituent, I am writing to urge you to support a water security policy that prioritizes the following:
- Water security programs and interventions must anticipate and address the risks of conflict, disaster, and crisis. To build water-secure communities and economies, conflict-sensitive and climate-smart approaches must be integrated into programs.
- Improve governance for water resource management locally, nationally, and regionally. We are asking for the following:
- Improved financial sustainability while ensuring equitable access
- Help communities to better conserve water, maintaining groundwater as a “strategic reserve” for the next crisis
- Accurate, timely water data that informs decision-making for governments, communities, and water service providers
In countries experiencing fragility, conflict, and violence, it is particularly challenging to achieve water security due to a range of factors, including weak institutions and information systems, strained human and financial resources, and degraded infrastructure. Fragility and climate change require a new approach to water security and WASH programming.
Mercy Corps is responding to this new reality by layering, sequencing, and harmonizing humanitarian, peacebuilding, and development approaches in increasingly complex environments. It is not about responding to one-off crises. Instead, we must focus on the entire continuum from disaster to development – moving from crisis to opportunity.
I urge you to ensure that the United States continues to push the Water Action Agenda globally and ask that, as my representative, you take action to address my concerns.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,