Over the past year, South West Water have raised an amazing £55,000 for international development charity WaterAid, to help transform the lives of people living without access to clean water and decent toilets across the world. 

Employees organised a variety of fundraising activities including golf days, cake sales and the annual ‘Give an Hour’ appeal. Customers from across the region also made donations in response to WaterAid leaflets included in their water bills. Since 1993, more than 11,000 customers have donated in this way raising an incredible £6,745,758 to date. 

Tim Wainwright, Chief Executive of WaterAid, said: “On behalf of everyone at WaterAid I would like to thank South West Water customers and staff for helping us bring clean water and sanitation to some of the world’s poorest communities. Together, they have raised more than £55,000 - that’s enough to reach more than 3,500 people with these basic necessities and is a vital step towards reaching everyone, everywhere with taps and toilets by 2030.

“Water and sanitation not only transforms the lives of local communities; improving health, education and livelihoods and forming the first, essential step in overcoming poverty; it also helps the global economy with £4 returned in productivity for every £1 spent. The amazing support we receive from businesses and individuals is vital as we work towards a fairer world.”

WaterAid was set up by the UK water industry in 1981 before becoming an independent charity. South West Water, along with a number of other UK water companies and water industry contractors and suppliers, continue to provide vital support to the charity, helping improve access to clean water and sanitation across the world.

Bob Taylor, Drinking Water Services Operations Director at South West Water said: “We’re very proud of our continuing support for WaterAid and being part of such a long-standing partnership that is making a huge difference to some of the world’s poorest people. 

“According to WaterAid, just £15 can enable one person to access safe, clean water, meaning our employees and customers have helped to reach thousands of people with this life-saving resource.”