Itron is proud to be a worldwide sponsor of Water for People and the critical work they perform in developing countries. From creating plans for sanitation and water systems to construction and implementation of those plans, Water for People is involved with the local community. Community adoption and involvement is critical to the success of Water for People and all who benefit from the project are included in each step. Water for People knows this involvement and a community-centered focus are what has made their program a model for other organizations.

According to the Water for People annual report, some of the major issues with unsafe water and sanitation are:

• Unsafe water kills children. Every 15 seconds, a child under the age of five dies from a preventable water-related illness.
  
• Women frequently travel many miles over treacherous ground to collect and haul water, preventing them from caring for their families, getting an education or generating needed income.
  
• Children who are constantly sick can’t go to school and learn, perpetuating an unending cycle of poverty.
  
• Open defecation, uncollected garbage, overflowing latrines and nonfunctioning drainage pipes create disease-ridden communities where children play.
• Unprotected water sources used for drinking, bathing and washing clothes are often shared with livestock, spreading disease and discomfort in many communities.