- Categories:
- Cause
- Tags:
- AwarenessConservationEnvironment
- Where:
- United Kingdom
- Date change rule:
- Every June 11 through 17
- Holiday emoji:
- 💧
Oxfam Water Week runs from June 11 to 17 each year, advocating for universal access to clean, safe water. This vital observance highlights the global water crisis, emphasizing that over 2.2 billion people still lack this fundamental necessity. Support Oxfam’s mission, learn about sustainable solutions, and amplify the call for water justice.
Want to sponsor Oxfam Water Week? Learn how
History of Oxfam Water Week
Access to clean water is a fundamental human right that shouldn’t be denied to anyone. Water is essential to our survival as living organisms, so everyone in the world deserves access to clean water. A lack of adequate water can lead to illnesses like diarrhea and cholera. Moreover, extreme dehydration can lead to death. Hence, a water crisis can be very dangerous. The week is used to spread information about the state of water availability around the world. This allows conversations that can lead to solutions for the problem.
There are various factors that can lead to water scarcity in an area. This includes climatic factors like low annual rainfall, poor infrastructure, and natural disasters. These factors can lead to water vulnerability. Water vulnerability can look like having to travel a long way to find water, not having proper sanitation, not having enough water that is clean for drinking or cooking, and not being able to grow crops.
Oxfam’s Water Week gives people the opportunity to be a part of the solution to the water crisis. As people of communities, we can collectively decide to reserve water resources and reduce wastage. The holiday encourages fundraising activities to help provide clean water for people who do not have access to it. This helps to preserve human life and gradually reduce the effects of the unequal distribution of water around the world.
Oxfam Water Week timeline
Oxfam helps improve the lives of people all around the world by creating strategic plans for removing the inequality that causes poverty.
The committee raises £10,700 from the launch of Greek Week.
For the Virgin London Marathon, Oxfam is chosen as the Charity of the Year.
Oxfam launches the GROW campaign to create a world where everyone always has enough to eat.
Oxfam Water Week FAQs
When is Oxfam Water Week?
Oxfam Water Week 2026 runs from Thursday, June 11 through Wednesday, June 17, highlighting the urgent need for global clean water access. This week-long observance calls for action to address water scarcity and improve sanitation worldwide.
How many people lack access to safe drinking water?
It’s estimated that approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide currently lack access to safely managed drinking water services. This staggering figure underscores the global scale of the water crisis that Oxfam Water Week addresses.
What is Oxfam's role in water access?
Oxfam plays a crucial role in providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in emergencies and long-term development programs. Their work directly impacts vulnerable communities by preventing disease and improving livelihoods.
Why is clean water access a global issue?
Clean water access is a global issue because it directly impacts health, education, economic stability, and gender equality. Lack of safe water leads to preventable diseases and disproportionately affects women and girls who spend hours fetching water.
How to Observe Oxfam Water Week
Conserve water
Think of ways that you may have been wasting water and try to cut down. Conserving water is good for everybody around the world. If we collectively save water, we will help less fortunate communities gain access to clean water.
Drink enough water
If you have access to clean water, it’s a privilege you should cherish. Drink enough water every day to maintain your health and keep your body functioning properly.
Make a donation
There are many charities actively helping people facing the water crisis. A donation can help provide water to someone who needs it. Even if your community is not currently running any charity events, you can even start one by yourself. Get family and friends involved too!
5 Interesting Facts About Water
Dirty water causes diarrhea
It is estimated that diarrhea caused by dirty water leads to 800 children's deaths every day.
Not all water can be used
The water fit for consumption is less than 1% of the Earth’s supply.
Getting water can be difficult
On average, about 20% of the world’s population walks about 3.5 miles a day to get drinking water
We may run out soon
It is estimated that the world’s two most populous countries, China and India, may exceed their water supplies in less than 20 years.
Water infrastructure in America is poor
The American Society of Civil Engineers did a study and rated the country’s drinking-water infrastructure a ‘D’ in 2017.
Why Oxfam Water Week is Important
It creates awareness
The holiday helps to inform more people about the water crisis. This awareness helps bring us closer to sustainable solutions to the problem. It allows programs to run in our communities and schools, teaching everyone about the importance of clean water for our survival.
It helps people
People who are affected by the water crisis are able to receive assistance. This help can save a lot of precious lives and will aid in lowering the number of health issues cases caused by inadequate water supply.
It protects the environment
Oxfam’s campaigns encourage people to be more attentive to environmental issues. The more people care and take measures to protect the environment, the better. This shows our love for our planet as we are encouraged to work together to sustain our natural resources — for today and generations to come.
Oxfam Water Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | June 11–17 | Thursday–Wednesday |
| 2027 | June 11–17 | Friday–Thursday |
| 2028 | June 11–17 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2029 | June 11–17 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2030 | June 11–17 | Tuesday–Monday |
