This report is a collection of stories about the role of water and sanitation in the lives of people around the world. In total the report brings together diverse accounts representing each of the regions of the world, ranging from the mountains of Peru to the deserts of Mongolia. Here we have the stories of organizations, governments, ordinary people, businesspersons, mothers, fathers, activists, scientists. They all bring to the table their own perspectives, informed by their experiences, their professions, their beliefs, their hopes. Woven together, these many stories become one account of the different ways humans experience and perceive the same thing. Countless hours spent in search of clean drinking water, peaceful moments along the banks of a much loved river, the clamor of a classroom learning the rules of hand washing, or the pride of promoting a public or private partnership for managing water resources. The stories display the vast differences in access to water and sanitation around the world, but also demonstrate how important water and sanitation are to all of us- equally.

What do you or your organization do to improve water and sanitation conditions in your community? Submit a water story, and let the world know what water means to you.

In 500 words or less, please briefly describe your community, your day-to-day water and sanitation conditions, what has or has not been done to improve these conditions and what your hopes are for the future.