Author(s) :

Morgan Theil.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Globally, limited access to clean drinking water affects millions of children, especially during their early cognitive developmental stages. This lack of reliable access is connected to dehydration, waterborne illnesses, environmental challenges, and sociocultural barriers. A literature review was conducted using Google Scholar and PubMed to find studies published from 2002 onward with a primary focus on children aged zero to eighteen. Additionally, inclusion criteria included: research examining the relationship between clean water access and cognitive abilities such as memory, language, and motor development. Of the fourteen articles, cross-sectional studies, randomized controlled trials, and burden of disease assessments were included. Findings showed how dehydration negatively affected cognitive abilities including: attention, visual processing, and memory. In contrast, waterborne diseases were associated with reduced cognitive function and growth stunting. Environmental and sociocultural factors, including time spent collecting water rather than in school, significantly decreased children’s academic outcomes. Inadequate water access negatively impacts early child development through biological, environmental, and sociocultural aspects. To prevent illness and death while supporting children’s cognitive development and academic performance, it is important to make Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) resources and clean drinking water accessible to everyone.