Water Access: 5 Things to Know this World Water Week
Key Insights on Water Access and Peace from EWB-USA Lead Engineer Gerard Dalziel
1. Bridging Borders
As World Water Week approaches, we know that water is the essence of life, a universal need that transcends borders, cultures, and nations. Yet, for many communities around the world, access to clean and reliable water remains a daily challenge. At Engineers Without Borders USA (EWB-USA), we believe that addressing this challenge is not just a matter of engineering—it is a pathway to peace, sustainability, and a more interconnected world.
2. Water Access as a Catalyst for Peace
Water has the power to bring people together. It is a resource that no community can live without, and its scarcity often leads to conflict and instability. However, when communities collaborate to manage and share water resources, it can foster cooperation, mutual understanding, and togetherness. EWB-USA is at the forefront of this movement, working with communities across the globe to build water infrastructure that not only meets immediate needs but also promotes sustainability for years to come.
One such example comes from one of our projects in Kenya, where recurring droughts have exacerbated tensions between local communities. By partnering with local leaders, NGOs, and government agencies, EWB-USA has helped to construct rainwater harvesting systems and boreholes that provide a reliable source of water. This infrastructure has not only improved access to clean water but also reduced tension over resources.
3. Strengthening Community Resilience Through Water Access
Water access is not just a necessity; it’s a catalyst for building resilient communities. When communities have reliable access to clean water, it creates a foundation for improved health, economic stability, and social cohesion. Access to water reduces the burden on women and children who often spend hours collecting it, allowing more time for education and economic activities. Furthermore, secure water sources mitigate conflicts over resources and help communities withstand the impacts of climate change.
In the Balang Commune near Siem Reap, Cambodia, a dam breach in 2000 left over 3,200 farmers without reliable irrigation. An EWB-USA project by the New York City Professional Chapter helped restore the dam and rehabilitate the reservoir. This effort revitalized 65 hectares of farmland, securing consistent water access for the community and enhancing their capacity to manage water resources independently.
4. A Collaborative Effort for a Sustainable Future
Building water infrastructure is not just about laying pipes or drilling wells—it’s about fostering collaboration and equipping communities to thrive. EWB-USA’s approach is rooted in partnership, with engineers, volunteers, and community members working side by side to design and implement solutions. This collaborative effort is crucial for ensuring that the infrastructure we build is sustainable, culturally appropriate, and resilient in the face of future challenges.
In Bolivia’s rural highlands, for instance, EWB-USA volunteers have worked with local communities to develop gravity-fed water systems that provide consistent access to clean water. The success of this project is not just measured in liters of water delivered but in the relationships forged and the knowledge shared. By involving community members in every step of the process—from planning to construction to maintenance—EWB-USA ensures that the impact of our work endures long after we leave.
5. Water for a Peaceful and Unified Future
Water is more than a basic human need; it is a bridge that connects us all. By building water infrastructure that enhances local and global interconnectivity, EWB-USA is helping to engineer a world where access to clean water is a given, not a privilege. But more than that, we are laying the groundwork for a future where peace, sustainability, and cooperation are the norm.
As we look to the future, the challenges we face are great, but so too is our determination. With every project, we are not just engineering solutions—we are building bridges. Bridges between communities, between nations, and between people and the water they need to thrive. Together, we can ensure that water becomes a source of unity, not division—a resource that sustains life and fosters peace in every corner of the globe.
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