March is clean water and sanitation month for Rotary

 

We take for granted our ability to drink clean water on a daily basis, but did you know there are two million Americans living without safe, running water and basic indoor plumbing? Check out this CBS Sunday Morning special to learn more. Right in our own back yard, some of our friends on French Island have learned their water supply has been contaminated by Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Our own Dustin Luecke explains more.

Through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, Rotary works to bring sustainable change to communities; essential for healthy and productive lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clearer than ever that hand washing — which requires a safe water source — is essential to our health. Yet more than 2 billion people worldwide don’t have access to clean water and 2.3 billion lack basic sanitation services. For the past few years, After Hours, along with a few of our area Interact Clubs and the Rotary Works Foundation has provided funding for 15 water filters that bring drinkable water to 3,000 primary school students in Valladolid, Mexico. Some of our members even traveled down for the instillation dedication. (Ask Brandon, Josh, Bill or Keith Lease to tell you more about it next time you see them!)
 
$24 is all it takes to provide one person with safe water. Next time you take a drink of water, a warm shower or even flush your toilet, remember how lucky we are... and be proud to be a part of an organization that has invested more than $51 million in global grants to enable clubs like ours to carry out projects and make clean water and hygiene a reality for all. 
 
Yours in Service,
Marissa Dickinson
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