Did you know that since 2015, more than 960 million people have gained access to safe drinking water? This World Water Day, we’re celebrating the lives improved by that progress and shining a light on how we can keep moving forward. 

For individuals and families, access to water improves health, supports education and work, and frees up time and energy once spent securing water. Water access particularly benefits women and girls, who are often the ones responsible for bringing water home. 

Although we’ve made progress, more needs to be done, including in the U.S., where over 2 million people still lack access to running water or a working toilet. We also need to make progress more quickly, so that everyone enjoys the benefits of clean water. 

There are charities doing incredible work in this space. For example, at ACI’s 2026 Convention, over $100,000 was raised for the WASH Foundation and DigDeep. By all working together, we can ensure everyone has access to clean, running water in their home. 

Investments in water infrastructure, protecting fresh water, and innovations have helped advance progress. For example, advances in cleaning products and appliances have helped make water efficiency easier and more accessible.  

Easy practices such as washing on cold water and using the right dose can help households save money and water. The cleaning products industry is also doing its part by reducing the water being used in their operations, offering products that use less water, and restoring local watersheds.