The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™
We're working with you to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States and your backyard. Support our work
Water
Protecting Water Sources for People and Nature
Water comes from nature – rivers, lakes and key lands that feed into them. We work with people all over the world to protect these sources for the benefit of people, plants and animals.
Learn more and take action.
Infographic: What's Your Water Footprint
Think you only need 8 glasses of water a day? Think again.
Where Does Your Water Come From?
Most of the world’s people get our drinking water from lakes and rivers. Use this interactive map to find out the water source for many cities.
20 Days of H2O
Visit our 20 Days of H2O Blog for tips on how you can save water and share them with your friends!
Freshwater-related Volunteer Opportunities
See our list of local volunteer opportunities and help protect our water sources by volunteering your time!
Women and Water
Explore an interactive ‘quilt’ of snapshots, videos and stories of women around the world, like Wangari Maathai, who are working to protect clean water.
Arizona Water Education
We are working with Arizona Project WET to educate students and teachers on the journey water makes from river to faucet.
A Vital Water Source in Danger
Almost all Californians rely on the Delta for drinking water. But, it is an ecosystem on the verge of collapse - learn why and what we are doing about it.
Use Less Water
Check out 5 tips from our California Chapter on how to conserve water outdoors.
Forest to Faucet – A Water Conservation Program
Did you know that forests play a critical role in keeping our freshwater clean? See how we are helping kids make the connection between forests and freshwater.
Rebirth of a River
Through her efforts, an Oregon ranch owner helps to provide freshwater habitat for endangered fish and other wildlife.
Investing in Nature for Clean Water
We are developing innovative ways to make sure that people and nature have enough clean water to live and to thrive.
Nature and Clean Water: It’s Elementary
A third-grader uses a homemade science project to show how nature provides clean water to people.
Rain Tanks Bring Clean Water
In Papua New Guinea new rainwater collection tanks mean villagers have clean water year-round – and no longer have to walk two miles to fetch water.
Using Fire to Protect Water
A Water Source Protection Fund enables people to protect their water supplies from pollution caused by massive wildfires. How? By funding controlled burns in forests near reservoirs.
How Can One Little Box Save Millions of Gallons of Water?
About 70 percent of water used worldwide is for growing crops. New technology is helping farmers use less water, leaving more available for people and nature.
Is Ignorance Bliss When It Comes to Our Water?
Most Americans don’t know where our water comes from. Why? And why does it matter?
Who’s Choosing Sun over Water?
Why are Americans becoming more vulnerable to facing water shortages? Scientist Jeff Opperman uncovers an unsettling trend.
Cracking the Code of Hidden Water
Scientist Brian Richter explains that most of the water we use daily is ‘hidden’ in the products we eat and buy – and what the Conservancy is doing to help save more water.
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We need to act now, before it's too late. Watch the Video, Take Action
We're addressing Latin America's most pressing conservation issues. Read the Story
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Donate to Rivers and Lakes
When you donate today, you’ll help The Nature Conservancy protect our most precious resource - clean water.