Core Pillar 2 of 4

WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene)

Water is life. Sanitation prevents death.

Danger: Dehydration, Cholera, Dysentery

Key Principle

You can survive approximately 3 days without water. However, contaminated water can kill within hours.

Water is the single most critical resource after safety. Lack of sanitation kills more people in disasters (via disease) than the disaster itself. Waterborne diseases spread rapidly in disaster conditions.

For Individuals

Water filtration and purification methods
Purification tablets and UV treatment
Hygiene supplies (soap, sanitizer) to prevent infection
Safe water storage and rationing
Recognizing signs of dehydration

For Communities & Governments

Restoring municipal water systems
Emergency water distribution points
Sewage treatment and waste management
Latrine construction and management
Disease surveillance and outbreak prevention

Standards Alignment

Sphere: WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)

Rule of Threes: Water (Priority #3 - 3 days)

UN: WASH Cluster

Resources

Sphere WASH Standards

CDC Water Treatment