CARE subsidizes the construction, but the community makes significant contributions in cash and labor, and pays the full cost of operation and maintenance. The program helps the community to identify their water and sanitation related health problems and to improve hygiene. In 1999, CARE helped 2.1 million people gain access to improved water and sanitation services in 36 countries. CARE Water and Sanitation Program has been working in poor communities for 44 years in rural areas and, more recently, in urban settings. In 2000, CARE helped 3.1 million people gain access to improved water and sanitation services in 31 countries.
Entire communities help plan, build, pay for and maintain water and sanitation systems.
Villages form local water committees that manage the system and often begin addressing other community problems as well. CARE includes health and hygiene education in all water and sanitation projects.