Clean Water

We live on a planet that is covered by water, a sacred and abundant gift from God.

Water is an integral part of our physical and spiritual life together. From personal use to irrigation and energy production, accessibility of safe and affordable water is critical for communities.

Unfortunately, our failure to act as faithful stewards of creation has resulted in many communities struggling with scarcity and pollution.

Today, over 700 million people lack access to safe drinking water and 2.5 billion people lack access to proper sanitation leaving men, women and particularly children vulnerable to deadly disease. Waterways are polluted by industrial and agricultural runoff and governments have prioritized the needs of corporations over the safety of their citizens.

The church has a unique and important role in proclaiming water as a sacred gift from God and working with communities to ensure safe, affordable water is available to all God’s children.

As we work to align our own practices with this faithful vision, we continue to advocate for just, sustainable and community-centered policies.

What the Bible and The United Methodist Church Say:

“God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together God called the Seas. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:10)

“When you drink of the clean water, must you foul the rest with your feet?” (Ezekiel 34:18)

“Come! Let the thirst man come, and let everyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.” (Revelation 22:17)

“We believe water is a sacred gift from God. We further believe water is a basic human right and not a commodity to be traded for profit.” (Book of Resolutions, 1033)

“Water is an integral part of God’s radical expression of God’s love for all humanity. Water cannot be monopolized or privatized. It is to be shared like air, light, and earth. It is God’s elemental provision for the survival of all God’s children on this planet.” (Book of Resolutions, 1029)

“We support the right of native peoples to the first use of waters on their lands.” (Book of Resolutions, 1033)

Three Things You Can Do:

• Learn about your watershed and your upstream and downstream neighbors. Explore how your actions and the actions of your faith community are connected to Creation and the accessibility and quality of water for others.
• Be mindful of how much water you use looking for ways to conserve water, limit waste and reduce or eliminate runoff and pollution.
• Advocate for water as a basic human right. Support clean water infrastructure and stand in solidarity with and take action alongside communities whose water is at risk.

For more information on Clean water, Visit:

• United Methodist Book of Resolutions:
  • 1029 Protection of Water
  • 1033 Caring for Creation: Our Call to Stewardship and Justice