Empowering Communities Through Safe Water: Cummins’ Global Sustainability Efforts
Many of us rarely stop to think about the convenience of having clean water at our fingertips. Just a simple turn of the tap gives us safe, drinkable water. But for 2.2 billion people around the globe, reliable access to safe water remains a daily challenge—one that impacts every area of life, including health, education, and economic development.
Each year on March 22, World Water Day brings global attention to the pressing issue of water scarcity. But for Cummins, this isn’t just a one-day observance—it’s an integral part of a broader commitment to sustainability, community development, and creating a more equitable future for all.
“Clean water isn’t just a basic need—it’s a fundamental human right,” said Jeff Wiltrout, Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Cummins and Executive Sponsor of Cummins Water Works. “Through our Cummins Water Works initiative, we’re addressing the global water crisis head-on. By collaborating with leading experts, we’re driving high-impact, sustainable water projects that empower communities and build long-term resilience.”
Tackling the global water crisis
According to the United Nations and the World Health Organization, one in four people around the world lacks access to safe drinking water. Over 115 million people rely on untreated surface water sources like rivers just to meet their daily needs. This crisis is further compounded by social disparities, particularly for women and girls, who often bear the responsibility of collecting water for their households.
Access to clean water is more than a matter of health—it’s a pathway to economic security and quality of life. In Cajueiro, Brazil, Francisca experienced this challenge firsthand. When she moved to the community 18 years ago while pregnant with her son Gabriel, her new home lacked a safe water supply.
Each day, she trekked a mile to fetch water from a reservoir shared with livestock. The water was unsafe, requiring boiling before use, and even then, it tasted unpleasant. Everyday activities like cooking and laundry were burdensome and carried the constant risk of illness from contaminated water.
Francisca’s life began to change when she discovered a local lending program, made possible by a partnership between Water.org and Banco do Nordeste. Since 2021, Cummins has collaborated with Water.org to provide communities with access to small, affordable loans that help families install water taps and toilets at home. With one of these loans, Francisca was able to secure a safe, reliable water source for her household.
“Now, we don’t have to worry about where our water will come from,” she shared. “Everything in our lives has gotten better.”
With water now available at home, Francisca regained the time and energy once lost to long walks and heavy lifting. Her son Gabriel, now 18, is able to attend school consistently without health issues getting in the way. Their story is just one example of how access to safe water can open doors for individuals and uplift entire communities.
Building stronger communities through sustainable water solutions
What began as a focus on Brazil, India, and Mexico has since expanded—reaching communities in Peru and the Philippines and improving the lives of more than 1.62 million people. Through Cummins Water Works, the company has set an ambitious goal: to achieve net water positivity in every region it operates by 2030. Already, this goal has been realized in three of the seven global regions, resulting in an estimated 2.4 billion gallons of water benefits.
Cummins recently reaffirmed its dedication to this cause by renewing its partnership with Water.org and committing additional funding over the next three years.
“At Water.org, we believe safe water has the power to transform lives, unlock opportunity, and create lasting impact,” said Gary White, CEO and co-founder of Water.org. “Our collaboration with Cummins showcases how corporate and philanthropic efforts can work together to address global challenges and change lives.”
At Cummins, the journey toward a more prosperous world begins with healthy ecosystems, vibrant communities, and active citizen engagement. The company remains steadfast in its global sustainability strategy—ensuring the communities it touches are stronger and more resilient because of its presence.
Each year on March 22, World Water Day brings global attention to the pressing issue of water scarcity. But for Cummins, this isn’t just a one-day observance—it’s an integral part of a broader commitment to sustainability, community development, and creating a more equitable future for all.
“Clean water isn’t just a basic need—it’s a fundamental human right,” said Jeff Wiltrout, Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Cummins and Executive Sponsor of Cummins Water Works. “Through our Cummins Water Works initiative, we’re addressing the global water crisis head-on. By collaborating with leading experts, we’re driving high-impact, sustainable water projects that empower communities and build long-term resilience.”
Tackling the global water crisis
According to the United Nations and the World Health Organization, one in four people around the world lacks access to safe drinking water. Over 115 million people rely on untreated surface water sources like rivers just to meet their daily needs. This crisis is further compounded by social disparities, particularly for women and girls, who often bear the responsibility of collecting water for their households.
Access to clean water is more than a matter of health—it’s a pathway to economic security and quality of life. In Cajueiro, Brazil, Francisca experienced this challenge firsthand. When she moved to the community 18 years ago while pregnant with her son Gabriel, her new home lacked a safe water supply.
Each day, she trekked a mile to fetch water from a reservoir shared with livestock. The water was unsafe, requiring boiling before use, and even then, it tasted unpleasant. Everyday activities like cooking and laundry were burdensome and carried the constant risk of illness from contaminated water.
Francisca’s life began to change when she discovered a local lending program, made possible by a partnership between Water.org and Banco do Nordeste. Since 2021, Cummins has collaborated with Water.org to provide communities with access to small, affordable loans that help families install water taps and toilets at home. With one of these loans, Francisca was able to secure a safe, reliable water source for her household.
“Now, we don’t have to worry about where our water will come from,” she shared. “Everything in our lives has gotten better.”
With water now available at home, Francisca regained the time and energy once lost to long walks and heavy lifting. Her son Gabriel, now 18, is able to attend school consistently without health issues getting in the way. Their story is just one example of how access to safe water can open doors for individuals and uplift entire communities.
Building stronger communities through sustainable water solutions
What began as a focus on Brazil, India, and Mexico has since expanded—reaching communities in Peru and the Philippines and improving the lives of more than 1.62 million people. Through Cummins Water Works, the company has set an ambitious goal: to achieve net water positivity in every region it operates by 2030. Already, this goal has been realized in three of the seven global regions, resulting in an estimated 2.4 billion gallons of water benefits.
Cummins recently reaffirmed its dedication to this cause by renewing its partnership with Water.org and committing additional funding over the next three years.
“At Water.org, we believe safe water has the power to transform lives, unlock opportunity, and create lasting impact,” said Gary White, CEO and co-founder of Water.org. “Our collaboration with Cummins showcases how corporate and philanthropic efforts can work together to address global challenges and change lives.”
At Cummins, the journey toward a more prosperous world begins with healthy ecosystems, vibrant communities, and active citizen engagement. The company remains steadfast in its global sustainability strategy—ensuring the communities it touches are stronger and more resilient because of its presence.
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