Water is essential to the survival and health of all human beings. The right to water is a fundamental human right and a prerequisite for the realization of other human rights.The right to water is a vital right because water plays such an essential role in the everyday lives and environment of all people, adults and children alike. The right to water includes the right to quality water in sufficient quantity and the right to adequate means of sanitation to prevent diseases and maintain the quality of water resources.

Water is an essential daily resource for all people.

It is used for direct consumption, for cooking, and for irrigating fields.

There are four important principles to guarantee survival and health for all:

• Water must be available: this means in sufficient quantity for all personal and domestic uses. The United Nations estimate that each person needs 20-50 litres of drinking water per day.
• Water must be accessible: water, facilities and adequate services must be accessible within or near homes. Water, facilities and services must be available at a cost that is affordable for all.
• Water must be of high quality: water must be clean, drinkable, and free from all health risks.
• Water must be stable and reliable: clean water must be available and accessible under all circumstances (drought, flooding that pollutes water, etc.).