During World Water Week, March 21-27, a dollar will make the ultimate difference.

The Tap Project, an extension of UNICEF, comes to several Milwaukee restaurants the entire week with the goal of generating funds to guarantee clean water to those in need.

"We decided to bring the Tap Project to Milwaukee because we thought, given our proximity to Lake Michigan, people might not realize the extent of the clean drinking water problem in the rest of the world.  Every day, 4,100 children throughout the world die from water-related diseases.  We viewed it as an opportunity to educate people as well as give them an opportunity to help out," volunteer Pat Ringsred said.

The Tap Project started in New York City in 2007 and has since held events all over the country. The concept is simple: customers at area restaurants are asked to donate $1 for water that is typically served for free. This dollar provides a child with clean drinking water for 40 days.

From March 21 to 27, diners are encouraged to make a $1 donation at participating restaurants including Cafe Centraal, Cafe Hollander locations in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, County Clare, The Wicked Hop, Lucky Liu's and Sala da Pranzo.

"Projects from the Tap Project are designed to be long-term solutions for access to clean water. They include installing pipelines to bring water to communities and building wells to access local groundwater.  By increasing access to clean drinking water, the Tap Project has improved the safety and quality of life for millions of people," Ringsred said.