How does a lack of access to clean water relate to the very definition of poverty?

For the purpose of this page, let's focus on how The Water Project shows us that the "lack of access to clean water directly contributes" (Water and Poverty) to the very essence of being poor.  According to the Cambridge Dictionary, we can see what other languages around the globe proffer as a definition for poverty. We can understand in our minds clearly that the very definition is far more reaching than simply, being poor. Hands down, based on the below chart illustrating language translations of the word "poverty",  it is easy to see that the word has a primarily unified message: the state of being poor, which we equate in our minds to being impoverished. 

Poor is a constant state of being for those living it every day.  Lack of access to clean water can be the primary cause of a sickly, unhealthy body that is not able to function and be productive enough to perform the demanding tasks for survival that are required in these communities.  People sometimes have to walk miles to find a suitable water source.  Mind you, suitable does not necessarily equal clean.  It simply may just be more clean than the water source closest to your village.  If your body is disease ridden, how easy of a task would it be to walk 5 miles for water and then carry it back yourself? Imagine how heavy a load water is to carry for 5-10 miles.  Also, the lack of sanitary ways to dispose of bodily waste can often mean that the water you drink is also where your waste ends up.  The water you use to cook with might also be used to bathe in.  This perpetuates a cycle of water-borne disease that kills the poor in these poverty stricken areas. Imagine dying from diarrhea that was a direct consequence of having to drink contaminated water. Africa Needs states that, "without an adequate supply of clean water death and disease are sure to come" (Waterborne Diseases)  Think about the process it would take to actually DIE from having chronic diarrhea! Your body would be severely dehydrated which in turn would cause horrible muscle cramping and spasms, your intestines would be sending incredible pain signals throughout your entire day and I'm quite sure that when you did have to "go", the burning sensation that would occur after being stricken with diarrhea for the last month would be agonizing.  And remember, there is no clean water with which to clean yourself up afterwards.  Water cannot be taken for granted when we are considering the impact that lack of clean access can have on the poor.

"Poverty." The Cambridge Free English Dictionary. Cambridge University Press 2014.                dictionary.cambridge.org. Web 22 Oct. 2014.

"Water and Poverty". Thewaterproject.org. The Water Project. 2014. Web 22 Oct. 2014

"Waterborne Diseases". Africaneeds.org. Africa Needs Community Development Corporation, Inc. 2014. 22 Oct. 2014.