This commentary talks about the worldwide health impact of lack of access to potable water. Household water treatment and storage (HWTS) is described as one approach to improving potable water accessibility in which students and educators can make a contribution to alleviate the problem of lack of access. The author suggests that, as chemists, educators can contribute to the success of HWTS by engaging students in water quality measurements placed at the service of the HWTS approach. In addition, this commentary highlights the pedagogical benefits of such an engagement. (Contains 3 figures.)