Blue Communities Origins
A global movement for water justice
The Blue Communities project was launched in Canada in 2009 by the Blue Planet Project, the Canadian Union of Public Employees and the Council of Canadians.
It emerged from nearly two decades of coalition work to protect public water, in response to growing pressure to commodify water, privatize water services and exploit water resources through unsustainable industrial activities.
World turning blue
In 2013, the movement began to expand internationally, with cities such as Paris (France) and Bern (Switzerland) becoming Blue Communities, followed by many others around the world. Since then, the project has grown across diverse political, social and environmental contexts, while remaining grounded in its three core principles.
Different Contexts, Shared Commitment
In Latin America, Blue Communities reflect the strong tradition of Community Water Management, where organized communities self-manage water systems, promote cooperation among community operators, and build alliances between public and community services, with a strong commitment to environmental protection.
Over time, the movement has expanded beyond municipalities. Schools, universities, religious communities and faith-based organizations have also adopted the Blue Communities principles, adapting them to their own values and priorities, emphasizing public education, policy engagement and advocacy for sustainable and equitable water policies.
Today, more than 120 Blue Communities exist worldwide, with many others in the process of joining the global network.
Our mission
Blue Communities are communities that defend water as a common good, promote its public, community-based and sustainable management, for the benefit of people and nature.
The Core Principles of Blue Communities
Three core principles that guide our work to protect water as a common good.
1. Recognizing Water and Sanitation as Human Rights.
Water and sanitation are fundamental human rights that must be guaranteed for all people.
02: Public Financing, Ownership and Operation.
Promoting public financing, ownership and operation of water and sanitation services to ensure equitable access.
03: Phasing Out Bottled Water.*
Banning or progressively phasing out the sale of bottled water in public facilities and at municipal events to promote sustainable water consumption.
*Each new Blue Community must adopt the first two original principles, while the adoption of the third is encouraged but dependent on the availability of safe tap water, and is free to adapt and expand the principles to their context provided that they do not contradict the former.
Our Shared Values
Defending Water Rights:
Blue Communities defend water as a human right and a common good for all.
Environmental Protection:
Protecting ecosystems and respecting the natural water cycle.
International Networks:
Building international networks to defend water and strengthen political advocacy.
International Solidarity:
International solidarity to protect water for current and future generations.