In addition to being important for human health, access to an improved water source is indicative of the state of a country's overall physical infrastructure. Access to improved water provides a buffer against climate change and variability, especially in countries which are prone to drought. Populations with access to improved water are also less at risk of contracting water borne diseases. In many countries, women are responsible for collecting water. As water sources diminish because of climate change, they will have to walk farther to collect water, leaving less time for other economic and cultural activities.