Where does your water come from? If you’re like most people, you have no idea where the water you use everyday comes from. Around 77% of US adults cannot accurately identify the natural source of the water used in their homes, according to USA Today.

Water might be the most taken for granted resource we enjoy. Everyday, almost 900 million people do not have access to clean water, and about 10,000 children younger than 5 die from illnesses as a result of using unclean water. Globally, unclean water is the largest kill in children younger than 5. (Source: Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group)

One of the many humanitarian projects that Clay Aiken has been involved with is called The Tap Project.

The Tap Project started in 2007 in New York City. It was a simple concept: restaurants would ask their patrons to donate $1 or more for the tap water they would usually enjoy for free. All the funds that were raised went to support UNICEF’s efforts to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world.

In 2007, 300 New York City restaurants participated and it grew to over 2, 300 across the country in 2008. The Tap Project has grown into a national movement that involves restaurants, corporations, community groups, local governments, volunteers and everyday diners. Each has a goal to save the lives of millions of children.

This week (March 20 – 26) is World Water Week 2011. The Tap Project will continue to raise donations and awareness for UNICEF’s water and sanitation programs. Did you know that for every dollar raised, a child would have clean drinking water for 40 days? The money raised during the week is put to good use by UNICEF to help millions of children around the world.

Some celebrities are even donating samples of their own tap water to help raise awareness of the world water crisis. Supporters can donate to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and simultaneously enter for a chance to win a limited edition celebrity Tap pack. Every $5 donation made will give supporters a chance to win a very special case of customized water bottles. Each bottle in the case contains water drawn from the tap of a different celebrity.

Funds raised will aid UNICEF’s water and sanitation programs in Togo, the Central African Republic and Vietnam. Caryl Stern is the President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.  She said the following about The Tap Project:

“Every day, many of us enjoy the gift of easy access to safe, clean water.  However much we take this for granted we must remember that for many communities water sources are unclean and soap is often not available. In these situations, disease spreads rapidly, with fatal consequences, killing millions of children a year. It may seem too simple, but clean water means life for many of the world’s children.”

UNICEF works in more than 100 countries to improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities, and to promote safe hygiene practices. Over the past 16 years more than a billion people have gained access to improved drinking water and sanitation facilities thanks to the efforts of UNICEF and its partners. For more information visit www.uniceftapproject.org

Why not join Clay Aiken and support UNICEF’s Tap Project. Many Clay Aiken fans have been generous towards all his humanitarian projects. This is an easy way to support UNICEF and the Tap Project.  If you go out to dinner this week, ask the restaurant if they are participating in the Project.  If so, be sure and pay for your water this week!