This Dehydrating Book Brings Global Water Crisis to Life

Ahead of World Water Day on March 22nd, global non-profit Water For People has unveiled The Dehydrating Book: a first-of-its-kind book that can only be read when hydrated. This ground breaking initiative illuminates the devastating effects of the water crisis in Latin America and its direct impact on education and opportunity.

Months of research, development, and testing have resulted in an innovative storytelling medium that makes the urgency of water scarcity a tangible experience. Just like children, The Dehydrating Book needs water to function. Created using special hydrochromic ink, the book's pages come alive only when water is present. As the pages dehydrate, the story completely disappears. It serves as a powerful reminder that access to water means access to education, opportunity, and a brighter future. Water For People worked directly with students from Palmira, a village in Peru's Cascas Valley, to develop the story that seamlessly weaves their first hand experiences into a compelling narrative.

"The Dehydrating Book is symbolic of the current realities and obstacles many communities in Latin America face," says Mark Duey, Water For People's chief executive officer. "A lack of safe water for students leads to illness, absenteeism, decreased cognitive performance, and low concentration – barriers that prevent children from learning and reaching their full potential."

"Each of us, regardless of where we are, whether it's the smallest, furthest village in Peru or the wealthiest neighbourhood in Manhattan, has a role to play when it comes to water. It's up to all of us to ensure the next generations have access to safe water," adds Gisela Murrugarra, Water For People Peru country director.

The book's main character is Lupita, a thirsty hummingbird who embarks on a quest through the landscapes of Peru in search of water for herself and her friends. Her journey mirrors the struggle of one in six children living in water-scarce areas in Latin America and the 447 million children worldwide who lack basic drinking water services at their school.

Water For People has worked in Peru since 2008, implementing its Everyone Forever model to ensure lasting water and sanitation access for every family, school, and health clinic. Beyond building infrastructure, Water For People collaborates with teachers to integrate water, sanitation, and hygiene education into school curriculums – empowering students to carry these lessons home and strengthen community awareness. Across Latin America, the organisation has reached nearly 300,000 people with reliable water services.

To share their story, Water For People has released a short video, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look into the book's storyline and character development, production process, and the unique perspectives of the children who helped inspire it.

To learn more about Water For People's work, as well as the children and communities featured in the campaign, visit here.