About
Water For People is an international nonprofit headquartered in the Denver, Colorado area that works to end the global water and sanitation crisis. Founded in 1991 by water industry veterans, the organization partners with local communities, businesses and governments across nine countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia to build water and sanitation systems designed to last for generations.
Mission
Water For People exists to promote the development of high-quality drinking water and sanitation services, accessible to all, and sustained by strong communities, businesses and governments. Its vision is a world where every person has access to reliable and safe water and sanitation services — a pressing goal given that, as the organization notes, 1 in 4 people lack access to clean water and nearly half the world lacks a decent toilet.
What they do
- Partners with local communities, governments and businesses to build sustainable water and sanitation systems, rather than delivering short-term interventions
- Invests for years in entire districts to reach full coverage under its Everyone Forever model
- Provides training, tools and financing so systems can be maintained locally over the long term
- Leverages co-investment from local communities and governments, which averages 53 cents for every dollar Water For People provides
History
Water For People was established in 1991 by three water industry veterans — Ken Miller, Wayne Weiss and John B. "Jack" Mannion — and grew out of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). The founders drew on decades of experience in water and wastewater to address global water access, and the organization continues to draw on networks of water sector professionals worldwide.
Scale and impact
Water For People operates in nine countries: Bolivia, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, India, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with teams in the United States and a partner organization in Canada. Its core values are collective transformation, environmental stewardship, integrity, courage and amplifying all voices.
Financials
According to IRS Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, Water For People (EIN 84-1166148) reported total revenue of $30.8 million and total expenses of $33.8 million for the fiscal year ending September 2025, with total assets of $20.2 million. Roughly 96 percent of revenue came from contributions. The organization has been recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity since 1996.
Governance
Water For People is led by Chief Executive Officer Mark Duey, supported by an executive team including a chief finance and administration officer and a chief growth officer. A volunteer board of directors, chaired by Greg McIntyre, oversees the organization.