Water1st International developed the concept for a Water for Life rating based on models of self-regulation through industry associations that have been created in other sectors. The Laird Norton Family Foundation provided funding and Improve International worked with Water1st to facilitate the first field evaluation in Honduras in December 2011.

Leading up to the December 2011 evaluation, many peer organizations, including Save the Children, Catholic Relief Services, the Global Water Challenge, Water For People, and Oxfam, helped develop the criteria to be used to evaluate long-term program effectiveness.

We are currently forming a Board of Directors in order to review performance standards and guide Water for Life rating operations. We envision the board being composed of WASH funding organizations, certified/rated implementing organizations, independent evaluators, academics and government water ministry representatives.