Supporter,

When we're thirsty, many Americans take for granted that we can turn on the tap and drink our fill of water without concern. But for millions of Americans–and more than 2 billion people worldwide–the water they drink is poisoning them.

Today is World Water Day, a time to celebrate how vital water is to all of us, and raise awareness of the billions of people who still need a clean source of water–many of which come from lower-income areas and are communities of color.

Contaminated drinking water isn't the only problem we face. Climate change is altering water availability around the planet. Even as sea levels rise, rivers, streams, and aquifers are falling, causing entire ecosystems to disappear. Droughts are becoming more widespread and prolonged¹, causing increased risk of uncontrolled wildfires.

And that's why today we're announcing our new Clean Water, Toxics and Resilience campaign. Its goals are to defend and strengthen protections and funding for clean water, toxic pollution, and climate resilience in the United States. Water safety is something no one should have to worry about, and we will work to ensure a healthy, sustainable water system.

America has a water crisis, and you can make a difference today. This World Water Day, help protect communities from the harmful effects of contaminated water by becoming a monthly member of the Sierra Club. Your monthly gift has a real impact so that we can continue fighting climate change, protecting vulnerable communities, and ensuring everyone has access to clean drinking water. Become a monthly member today and claim your FREE reusable tote bag!

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, created to regulate water and ensure water quality standards for the United States. Yet today, more than 20 million Americans are drinking water from lead pipes². More than 100  million Americans are drinking water contaminated by PFAS–also known as "forever chemicals"³. In other words, the source of life for millions of people is poisoning them with toxic chemicals.

We are fighting on many fronts, joining with coalitions to ensure everyone has access to clean water and promote sustainability initiatives. Our 30x30 campaign aims to protect 30% of America's lands and waters by 2030, helping to secure water access and prevent contamination from fossil fuel production. And our new Clean Water, Toxics and Resilience campaign will work to ensure Americans no longer need to fear for their safety when they turn on the tap.

The issues we are facing today are interconnected. The need to protect clean water is tied to stopping fossil fuel interests drilling in our public lands, keeping climate change in check, and protecting communities from all forms of pollution. This is part of our work to build a more just, equitable and sustainable future for all.

Supporter, you can make a difference today by becoming a monthly member to support all of our efforts to create a healthy, sustainable future + claim your FREE gift!

Together with you,

Beth Roach
Director, Clean Water, Toxics and Resilience 
Sierra Club

¹https://www.sierraclub.org/water-sentinels/western-waters
²https://www.sierraclub.org/articles/2021/09/american-voters-agree-increased-investment-eliminate-lead-pipes
³https://blogs.biomedcentral.com/on-health/2021/01/12/how-many-of-us-are-drinking-toxic-forever-chemicals/
Photo Credit: Imani, Unsplash modified with added text.