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Watery definition

Each nation sets its own definition of 'access' to water. In some countries it means piped water in each home, in others a well within half an hour's walk. Definitions also differ between urban and rural areas.

Countries are therefore listed on these pages in alphabetical order.

Improvements in health come not just from the availability of clean water but from its proper use. But proper use is more feasible if water comes from a standpipe close to home rather than a well half a mile away.

Millions of women spend many hours a day walking long distances for unreliable supplies of unsafe water. And as it is usually women who cope with family illness, improving access to safe water strikes a double blow for the liberation of women's time and energies.