Tomorrow, Nov. 19, marks a very special day. The United Nations General Assembly designated it as World Toilet Day. This day has been established to raise awareness about the 2.5 billion people around the world who do not have access to a toilet.

Since its launch in 2001, World Toilet Day urges others to become aware of the basic necessity so many lack – access to clean sanitation. Many different groups are united in support of this day’s important mission of providing clean sanitation for those in need.

Don’t understand the impacts of having access to a toilet? As is stated on World Toilet Day’s website, “…the humble toilet can be a stepping stone to a healthy life, greater human dignity, freedom, equality between women, men, girls and boys, and finally, a catalyst to the development of communities and countries.” That’s right - sanitation is a basic and simple human right.

If you are interested in supporting this cause financially, please consider Water For People, a sister organization of AWWA, that helps where the need is great for people who don’t have access to clean sanitation. Donate to Water For People to increase awareness of its important and lifesaving mission.