Compare 10 leading clean water organizations by cost-effectiveness, evidence quality, and reach. Make every dollar count.
| # | Organization | Cost/Person | Evidence | Rating | Countries | People w/ $100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evidence Action — Dispensers for Safe WaterGiveWell | $1-2/year | ★★★★★ | 96/100 | 3 | 67 |
| 2 | Water.org | $1 unlocks $4-6 | ★★★★ | 96/100 | 11 | 20 |
| 3 | Splash International | Low (school-based) | ★★★ | 93/100 | 5 | 13 |
| 4 | Wine to Water | ~$50/family | ★★ | 92/100 | 40 | 8 |
| 5 | Lifewater International | $15-30 | ★★★ | 99/100 | 4 | 5 |
| 6 | Water Mission | $15-50 | ★★★ | 98/100 | 57 | 3 |
| 7 | The Water Project | $20-60 | ★★★ | 95/100 | 4 | 3 |
| 8 | charity: water | $40-50 | ★★★ | 97/100 | 29 | 2 |
| 9 | WaterAid | $30-60 | ★★★ | 94/100 | 34 | 2 |
| 10 | Water for People | Varies (systems-level) | ★★★ | 94/100 | 9 | 2 |
Installs free chlorine dispensers at communal water sources in rural Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi. One of the most cost-effective water interventions ever studied.
Pioneered WaterCredit — small, affordable loans enabling families to finance their own water and sanitation connections. Co-founded by Matt Damon and Gary White.
Provides clean water and hygiene in government schools. Works within public infrastructure to achieve city-wide coverage for all children.
Provides clean water through well drilling, water filtration, and rainwater harvesting. Also distributes household water filters in crisis settings.
Integrates safe water, improved sanitation, and hygiene behavior change to transform entire communities. Focuses on hardest-to-reach rural villages.
Designs and builds safe water treatment systems with engineering expertise. Systems are remotely monitored for long-term sustainability.
Funds water projects in Sub-Saharan Africa with detailed per-project reporting and sensor-based monitoring of every installation.
Funds water projects across 29+ countries. 100% of public donations go to projects. Every project is GPS-tracked and verified.
Works with local partners and governments to provide sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene services. Strong advocacy pushing for systemic change.
Aims to reach every family, clinic, and school in a district with lasting water services. Districts achieving 'Everyone Forever' status are self-sustaining.