BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A Stockdale High School freshman is hoping to tackle the world's water crisis with one glass of tap water at a time.

Rohan Sharma, 14, is pleading with local restaurants to help him provide fresh, clean water to children in impoverished countries through the organization UNICEF.

Fresh, clean water is not only thirst quenching but also a key to survival. But it is the lack of clean water that is one of the leading causes of childhood deaths in many countries.

"These kids are drinking muddy, dirty water and they are dying of preventable diseases, which are caused by water-borne illnesses. I mean, this should not be happening," said Rohan.

While surfing the Web one day, Sharma came across UNICEF's Tap Project.

It is a concept that started in New York in 2007 where restaurants ask patrons to donate $1 or more when they ask for tap water during World Water Week, which is March 21-27.

The funds raised goes to providing clean and accessible water to children in other countries.

Over the years, the project has become big in other cities, and now Sharma hopes it catches on in Bakersfield.

"It is a pretty big challenge to get these restaurants to sign up but it's worth it. There is no greater reward than saving human lives," said Sharma.

Papa O's on Gosford Road has agreed to participate.

"Why would I not want to get on the boat, and try to do what I can as a local business owner and as a person. We take water for granted here, it's just something that comes out of a tap. We don't know what it's like not able to get our thirst quenched," said restaurant owner Harjit Deol.

With five local restaurants on board, Sharma is hitting the pavement in hopes to get at least 10 more to participate.

"Someone like me, someone like you can have such a great impact, I mean $1 can provide a kid with drinking water for 40 days. That's huge," he said.

If you would like to participate in this project you can contact Rohan at Rohan@bak.rr.com or at (661) 900-0101.