The Joplin community had the opportunity to help people around the world drink clean water.

Beverly Grau, junior international studies major, decided to take part in UNICEF’s Tap Project. The Tap Project seeks to supply water to children in countries that do not have potable water readily available.

Volunteers recruited local restaurants willing to offer customers a glass of tap water for $1, and the proceeds went to the Tap Project.

Grau recruited Maria’s Mexican Restaurant on 1901 E. 32nd Street in Joplin to participate in the Tap Project. Grau said that several customers donated $20-$50 for the tap water.

UNICEF’s project helps children get access to clean water in 90 different countries.

Grau said the project hit home with him.

“I am interested in water development projects,” he said.

Anyone can become a Tap Project volunteer. Volunteers sign up to participate in the project on the project’s Web site, www.tapproject.org. The volunteers then recruit local restaurants to offer tap water for $1, instead of for free.

Grau believes it is important to raise awareness of communities without access to clean water.

“A child dies every 15 seconds because of the lack of access to clean water,” she said.

The Tap Project occurred during World Water Week, which was from March 16-22. The project ends on the United Nation’s World Water Day.

According to UNICEF’s Tap Project Web site, $1 donated helps a child have access to clean water for 40 days. The donations also help in building wells and supplying hand pumps to the communities in need for permanent water sources.

Grau also wants to “continue the effort” to raise awareness locally and on campus. She hopes to create a club on campus in the future.

To donate to UNICEF’s Tap Project, visit www.tapproject.org.

The event took place from March 16-22, but anyone can donate at the project’s Web site at any time.