SOUTH West Water is donating £2 to WaterAid for every customer that responds to a public consultation on its business proposals for 2020-2025.

This coincides with World Water Day, which took place on Thursday, March 22, which annually aims to raise awareness of the one in nine people across the globe with no access to clean water.

Customers have until April 30 to have their say on South West Water’s £1 billion proposed investment programme for 2020-25 on the website: www.southwestwater.co.uk/waterfuture .

For every customer that responds the company will donate £2 to WaterAid, an international not-for-profit organisation, which works in 34 countries to make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone.

For terms and conditions go to: www.southwestwater.co.uk/waterfuture .

South West Water has been supporting WaterAid since it was founded in 1982 and in that time staff and customers have raised more than £7 million for the charity.

Last year, staff raised £3,000 on World Water Day and hope to have beaten this total by April 30.

WaterAid says that just £24 can provide one person with clean water for life. This simple change can transform whole communities, impacting on people’s health, education, and livelihoods.

South West Water’s Operations Director, Bob Taylor, said: “It’s shocking that today, like every other day, around 800 children will die from diarrhoeal diseases caused by dirty water and poor sanitation.

“South West Water hopes to spread the message that we all have a part to play in helping to end the global water and sanitation crisis, while also supporting WaterAid’s vital work in some of the world’s poorest communities.”

Tim Wainwright, WaterAid’s Chief Executive, said: “We are so grateful that South West Water is supporting WaterAid, and helping us shine a light on the urgent need to address the water crisis, which affects 844 million people globally.

“Clean water should not be a privilege; it is a basic human right. Together with good sanitation and hygiene, it underpins all areas of development, helping keep children healthy and in school, and enabling entire communities to unlock their potential and break free from poverty.

“WaterAid believes in a world where everyone everywhere has access to clean water, decent toilets and improved hygiene. By working with our partners, we can make a far bigger impact, reaching even more people, and transforming lives for good.”