Archive for category: Water

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5 Corporations Working with WaterAid

Corporations Working with WaterAidWater scarcity is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, impacting more than 2 billion people worldwide. In response, various corporations have stepped up to support initiatives that address this critical issue. Among them, PepsiCo, Hogan Lovells, Belu, Boeing and Google are notable for their impactful partnerships with WaterAid, a leading organization dedicated to improving access to clean water and sanitation in developing countries. This is a closer look at how these corporations working with WaterAid are making a difference.

PepsiCo

PepsiCo, one of the corporations working with WaterAid, is a global leader in the beverage and food industry and focuses on water stewardship as part of its sustainability strategy. The company recognizes the crucial role water plays in its operations. Partnering with WaterAid, PepsiCo has directed its efforts towards improving water access in communities where the company operates. The partnership between WaterAid and PepsiCo aims to achieve three pillars: “empowering women, building resistance and protecting children.”

PepsiCo and WaterAid’s “Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Improvement project” provided clean water and toilets to more than 700 students in Lagos, Nigeria. Working with the Lagos state government, PepsiCo and WaterAid helped commission toilets and handwashing stations for schoolchildren, hoping to reach more than 170,000 people in three years.

Hogan Lovells

Hogan Lovells, an American-British law firm, brings a unique perspective to its partnership with WaterAid through its legal expertise and advocacy efforts. Partnering with WaterAid in August 2023, Hogan Lovells provides pro bono legal advice, volunteer support and unique fundraising and awareness initiatives to assist WaterAid’s mission in combating water scarcity. 

This partnership enables WaterAid to navigate complex legal landscapes and secure necessary resources and permissions for its initiatives. Hogan Lovells’ involvement goes beyond legal assistance. The firm also engages in fundraising efforts and awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of water access and sanitation. By leveraging its legal knowledge and network, Hogan Lovells amplifies WaterAid’s mission and supports its global impact.

Belu

Belu, a British bottled water company, is a prime example of how corporations can integrate sustainability into their core operations. It has committed to a unique partnership with WaterAid, channelling profits from its bottled water sales directly to the organization. This approach not only supports WaterAid’s projects but also raises awareness about the importance of clean water and sustainability.

Belu’s commitment to WaterAid entails giving 100% of its net profits to the latter organization. According to the Belu’s website, it has given WaterAid approximately £5.8 million since their 2011 partnership, aiding the latter corporation’s goal of providing clean water across 27 countries.

Boeing

As a global aerospace leader, Boeing brings its engineering prowess and innovation to its partnership with WaterAid. The company supports WaterAid through funding, contributing to projects such as the WASH Project, that tackle water scarcity and improve sanitation in underserved communities. Boeing’s involvement often includes leveraging its technological capabilities to develop sustainable solutions for water access and management.

A WASH project that exemplifies Boeing and WaterAid’s partnership is their 2022 workshop in Ethiopia’s Gimbichu District. Only 52% of Ethiopians have access to clean water and are also susceptible to long droughts and famines. With Boeing and WaterAid’s planned WASH project, the two corporations devised an objective to increase access to clean water, hygiene facilities and sanitation in the Gimbichu community. The WASH project targeted areas such as schools and health care facilities, aggregating a total of approximately 25,000 Ethiopians.

Google

Google collaborates with WaterAid to enhance the effectiveness of water and sanitation projects to help many impoverished regions, such as Hyderabad, India. It helped build 25 handwashing stations at local schools and health care facilities, along with 21 additional water projects in the region. This collaboration underscores the transformative potential of technology and corporations in addressing complex global challenges.

Conclusion

The partnerships between PepsiCo, Hogan Lovells, Belu, Boeing and Google with WaterAid exemplify the diverse ways corporations can contribute to solving global water issues. Each company brings unique strengths to the table, from financial support and legal expertise to technological innovation and sustainable practices. By working together with WaterAid, these corporations advance their own sustainability goals. Furthermore, they play a crucial role in improving water access and sanitation for millions of people worldwide.

These collaborations are a testament to the power of cross-sector partnerships in addressing pressing global challenges. As water scarcity continues to affect communities around the world, the efforts of these corporations working with WaterAid offer a beacon of hope.

– Christian Core

Christian is based in Princeville, HI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Enhancing WASH Services in Yemen

WASH Services in YemenThe people of Yemen, a country devastated by conflict, struggle with the lack of access to sanitation services and clean water, also known as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services (WASH). According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), more than 16 million Yemenis urgently need WASH services.

One of the main factors that increase the need for WASH services in Yemen is displacement as a result of conflict, natural disasters and epidemic outbreaks. Another factor is the disruption of public services in Yemen, which left only one-third of the Yemen population connected to a piped water network. Therefore, countries and international organizations have been working together to provide and facilitate access to WASH services.

Saudi Arabia-WHO WASH Services in Yemen

On July 30, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief), Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian aid agency, announced a $3.75 million project to enhance WASH services in Yemen to help the most vulnerable populations across the country.

The project will upgrade WASH infrastructure in two hospitals, enabling 10 health facilities to sustain water and water services in 60 other facilities. An estimated 580,231 internally displaced people and vulnerable groups will benefit from this project, which will also improve maternal health and disease prevention. This project aligns with the United Nations’ (U.N.) “Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan 2024,” which seeks to provide more relief and assistance to vulnerable groups in Yemen.

KSRelief’s Efforts to Support WASH Services in Yemen

Before the announcement of this joint project with WHO, Saudi Arabia provided support for enhancing WASH services in Yemen. On December 22, 2023, KSRelief pumped more than 39 million liters of water for the people in the Hajjah and Sa’adah governorates in Yemen to support WASH services in the country. In Hajjah, 3.443 million liters of the 39 million liters were used as potable water and 35.013 million were used as usable water.

Furthermore, in Hajjah, KSRelief provided 308 waste transportation services and conducted nine insecticide spraying campaigns. In Sa’adah, 300,000 liters of water were used as both portable and usable water, benefiting 30,100 people. Although these efforts were large in scale, Saudi Arabia also required collaboration with international organizations with the resources to expand its support for WASH services.

International Organizations’ Key Role in WASH Services

Enhancing WASH services in Yemen requires the collective power of international humanitarian organizations such as WHO and UNICEF, which have a record of facilitating Yemenis’ access to WASH services. For example, in 2021, UNICEF managed to help primary health care facilities (PHCF) and schools in Yemen rehabilitate and upgrade their water and sanitation systems with funding from the World Bank. The total number of PHCFs supported was 496 and the number of schools supported was 118 as of October 2021.

Similarly, from 2017-2021, the WHO conducted WASH rehabilitation in 70 hospitals across Yemen and provided 1,100 million liters of chlorinated water to 42 governorate hospitals, district hospitals and inner-district hospitals. All of this has benefitted 5.5 million Yemenis, highlighting the necessity for countries to work with international organizations to provide greater access to WASH services to more vulnerable individuals.

Access to Water and Hygiene Services

Enhancing WASH services in Yemen is important because it helps prevent global disease outbreaks, given the existing epidemics in Yemen, such as Cholera. Therefore, seeing countries like Saudi Arabia and organizations such as WHO work together on large-scale projects aimed at rehabilitating and facilitating access to WASH services is proof that there are good people to protect public health globally. However, given the numerous issues in Yemen, more has to be done to support WASH services.

– Abdullah Dowaihy

Abdullah is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Solar-Powered Water Desalination: A Solution to Water Scarcity

Solar-Powered Water DesalinationWater scarcity is a pressing issue affecting millions of people worldwide. This is particularly the case in coastal regions where seawater is abundant but fresh water is scarce. As populations grow and adverse climatic conditions intensify, the demand for freshwater continues to rise, exacerbating this challenge. One promising solution to this problem is solar-powered water desalination, which harnesses renewable energy to produce clean drinking water from seawater.

The Basics of Desalination

Desalination is the process of removing salt and other impurities from seawater to produce fresh water. There are several methods of desalination, but the most common are reverse osmosis and thermal desalination. Reverse osmosis involves forcing seawater through a semipermeable membrane that filters out salt and other impurities. In contrast, thermal desalination involves heating seawater to produce steam, which is then condensed into fresh water.

Integrating solar power into desalination processes can significantly reduce the environmental impact and operating costs associated with traditional desalination methods, which often rely on fossil fuels. Solar energy can be used to power the pumps and membranes in reverse osmosis systems or to provide the heat needed for thermal desalination.

Kenya and Bangladesh

In the coastal region of Kenya, the solar-powered desalination plant in the town of Kiunga has been providing clean drinking water to thousands of residents. This project, initiated by the nonprofit organization GivePower, uses solar panels to generate electricity for reverse osmosis desalination. The project is capable of producing up to 35,000 liters of fresh water daily.

In Bangladesh, where freshwater scarcity is a critical issue in coastal areas, a solar-powered desalination plant was established on the remote island of Kutubdia. This plant, supported by the World Bank and local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), provides fresh water to the island’s inhabitants each day. The project showcases the feasibility of using renewable energy to address water scarcity in vulnerable regions, significantly improving the quality of life for local communities.

Environmental Benefits of Solar-Powered Desalination

Utilizing solar energy for desalination offers numerous environmental benefits compared to traditional methods that depend on fossil fuels. One of the most significant advantages is the reduction of carbon emissions. Solar-powered desalination plants emit little to no greenhouse gasses, contributing to the fight against the rise in the average earth’s surface temperature.

Additionally, solar energy is a renewable resource, which means it can provide a sustainable and long-term solution to water scarcity without depleting natural resources. Moreover, the ecological footprint of solar-powered desalination is smaller than that of conventional desalination. By minimizing the use of fossil fuels, solar desalination reduces the pollution and environmental degradation associated with fossil fuel extraction and combustion.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite its potential, solar-powered desalination faces several challenges and limitations. The initial setup costs for solar desalination plants can be high, which may deter investment in developing countries with limited financial resources. Maintenance and operation of these systems also require technical expertise, which might not be readily available in remote or impoverished areas.

However, these challenges are not insurmountable. Advances in technology and economies of scale can reduce the costs of solar panels and desalination equipment over time. Additionally, capacity-building initiatives and international cooperation can help develop the necessary technical skills and infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of solar-powered desalination.

Final Remark

The successful implementation of solar-powered desalination projects in Kenya and Bangladesh illustrates the technology’s potential to provide a sustainable solution to water scarcity in coastal regions. By investing in and supporting the deployment of these innovations, policymakers and international organizations can help combat global water shortages and improve the quality of life for millions of people.

To ensure the scalability and adaptability of this promising technology, it is crucial to continue researching and developing cost-effective solutions, fostering international collaboration and prioritizing the needs of vulnerable communities. With concerted efforts, solar-powered desalination can play a vital role in securing a sustainable water future for coastal regions worldwide.

– Chelsea Rasool

Chelsea is based in Belfast, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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South Africa’s Water Safety Issue

South Africa’s Water Safety IssueSouth Africa’s central water infrastructure is deteriorating below acceptable levels–its negative effects threatening the health and wellbeing of the nation’s poor.

The Hammanskraal Cholera Outbreak

In May 2023, 29 people died from contracting cholera in the region of Hammanskraal in South Africa. Cholera outbreaks have happened before in the country, but they usually occur in rural areas, not in city centers. Hammanskraal is only 20 miles away from South Africa’s capital Pretoria and is part of the Gauteng province that is known for its high level of urbanisation.

Piped water had the reputation for being the safest form of water compared to other improved water sources (public taps, protected boreholes/springs, rainwater) and surface water sources (rivers, ponds, irrigation channels) in South Africa.

The singular fact that a devastating cholera outbreak occurred in South Africa’s urban center indicated that the country’s water treatment infrastructure had deteriorated to a level that made it unreliable–signaling a scarcity of safe drinking water throughout the nation. The poor of South Africa, lacking the economic ability to access costly clean water, therefore face a serious health threat.

The Mismanaged South African Water System

The 2023 BlueDrop investigation found that 46% of the country’s water supply systems failed to prevent contamination of pathogens and bacteria. Many researchers find fault in the fact that 90% of the wastewater plants in South Africa are dysfunctional, unable to treat incoming wastewater and tragically releasing back “raw or partially treated sewage directly into the country’s already scarce water resource.”

The rural and poorest demographic relies on surface water for their drinking needs and therefore faces critical health threats. Even the demographic living in areas with piped water coverage faces similar health concerns due to the dysfunctional central water system of South Africa which has 47% of its distributed water leaking, providing opportunities for contamination, according to The Conversation.  Contaminated water can lead to outbreaks of diarrheal diseases that are especially lethal to the poor demographic who has limited access to appropriate medical services.

Professor Anja du Plessis writes in The Conversation, “Reactive management, lack of political will, transparency and unaccountability over the past two decades have contributed to the current state of affairs.” Expert opinion on South Africa’s water safety crisis is that it was a preventable crisis. More than technological limits or economic incapacities, South Africa’s water issue arises from management mishandling.

The Conversation reports that 67% of workers in the water treatment facilities did not receive appropriate training. There was also a significant underinvestment of governmental funds in the repair and maintenance of the water infrastructure. Out of 257 Municipalities, 151 reported being “close to collapse.” The Conversation also reports that there were no appropriate water quality monitoring systems that alerted consumers of detected contamination in the water distribution systems.

The Solution – Decentralized Water

Decentralized water systems are water systems that are smaller in scale, delivered by non-governmental organizations and often utilize local water sources for decentralized water harvest units. While centralized water systems are an efficient way to distribute water to plenty of individuals, their massive scale and complexity require costly investments and high-level expertise within the management to facilitate the system safely.

Murendeni Mafumo, CEO of Kusini Water, notes that municipal organizations do not have the financial ability to build new infrastructures, especially considering that they are even struggling to maintain the system for 5-6 million people in urban cities. He reflects that the best way to improve the water infrastructure is “through commercial companies.”

Commercial companies like Kusini Water are utilizing the relatively low cost of decentralized water treatment units and they can be run through off-grid renewable energy to independently install water treatment plants across vulnerable communities in South Africa. The rise of decentralized water technology is enabling innovative social entrepreneurs to make a lasting impact and improve South Africa’s water safety.

Mafumo explained to AfricaX that a decentralized treatment unit that supplies 300 Households may cost around $8,000 to install. Kusini Water subsidizes its operation by establishing business deals with large companies such as Red Bull or high-income households. It offers decentralized, clean water treatment units for office buildings and corporate events and subsidizes 20 liters of water for vulnerable communities for each liter of water it sells under the deal. This effectively “trickles down money” from high-income communities to low-income communities. The company uses a 3D-printed main body and sources the filtration modules locally to lower its costs. It also creates carbon filters through local macadamia nut shells and uses its nanofibers from a local university.

Conclusion

The mismanagement of the central water system of South Africa is threatening the health of poor communities. Central water systems being very large and complex makes management difficult and building new infrastructure in water-scarce areas challenging. The development of decentralized water system technology is enabling social entrepreneurs like Kusini Water to provide clean drinking water to communities that cannot afford it, holding a bright future for gradually solving South Africa’s water safety issue.

– Siwon Kim

Siwon is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Rainwater Harvesting: WOGI’s Southern Madagascar Project

Rainwater HarvestingSouthern Madagascar is facing its worst drought in 40 years, with 70% of the Malagasy people lacking access to clean water for drinking, hygiene and sanitation. This scarcity has caused water prices to skyrocket to 15 times the average price, exacerbating the crisis. Even in schools, 81% of people don’t have access to clean water to drink and wash their hands. In response to this dire situation, Wings of Grace International (WOGI), a nonprofit organization, is helping communities in Southern Madagascar obtain access to clean water through an innovative rainwater harvesting process.

About WOGI

WOGI is a Christian nonprofit organization founded and based in Le Chable, Valais, Switzerland, by Tasmin Keshavjee. Its mission is to identify islands lacking accessible drinking water and distribute tanks to harvest rainwater sustainably. Since 2008, WOGI has placed 1423 water stations on nine different islands worldwide, supplying 1.523 million liters of clean drinking water to remote communities in need.

The organization provides free 1000-liter/250-gallon PVC tanks that are designed to last 30-40 years and have proper maintenance. This approach offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to purchasing expensive jerry cans of fresh water, which would be prohibitively expensive for people with very limited daily income.

In 2011, WOGI expanded its efforts to help alleviate the water crisis in Southern Madagascar, distributing 184 1000-liter rainwater harvesting tanks. Building on this initial success, WOGI aims to provide an additional 250 tanks to the territory in 2024, reaching more remote communities across the Tulear region.

Rainwater Harvesting Process and Tank Maintenance

WOGI’s rainwater harvesting process is both simple and effective. In unindustrialized areas, rainwater is typically safe to drink without chemical treatment. However, proper maintenance is crucial to ensure water safety. When it begins to rain, the tanks are kept closed for the first 5-10 minutes to avoid contamination from roof dust. A mosquito net is then placed over the intake hole to prevent insects from entering. Each 1000-liter tank is typically shared by about 100 people, providing approximately 10 liters of water per person. In cases where fewer people share a tank, chlorine tablets are added to preserve the water if it has been exposed to heat for multiple days.

WOGI trains locals on proper tank maintenance, including setting tanks on a base of stones and mud, supporting the seal with cement for flood protection and covering empty tanks with banana leaves or a thatched roof to prevent sun damage and interference from children or animals. The tanks are thoroughly cleaned once or twice a year. To ensure ongoing proper maintenance, WOGI has partnered with local organizations, such as the Anglican Church of Madagascar, to oversee the project’s progress.

Impact

The introduction of these tanks has dramatically improved lives in Southern Madagascar. While the amount of water each person receives may seem modest, it represents a significant improvement over previous conditions. Many residents previously had to drink from contaminated puddles or travel long distances for fresh water. Keshavjee recounts: “I’ve seen one man riding a bike to go and fetch water for multiple households in the heat of the day. Apparently, he had to ride about 20 km to reach the water point, fill the jerry cans (at least 10-15) and then make the ride back to deliver them. This was on an old-style bike which had no gears.”

With these tanks, people can now store fresh water during rainy seasons, providing a reliable source of clean water – a luxury they did not have before. Keshavjee adds, “When we distribute tanks, the joy is palpable as they recognize that their lives are going to change dramatically. Occasionally we get a message or some pictures from our leaders to let us know that during a crisis, our tanks have been a huge help.”

Looking Ahead

Despite ongoing drought and water scarcity in Southern Madagascar, WOGI’s rainwater tanks have significantly improved daily lives, reducing water-fetching time and protecting communities from waterborne diseases. Although faith-based, WOGI ensures all community members have access to fresh water, regardless of personal beliefs. The organization remains committed to expanding its reach, with plans to reach more remote areas and reduce the number of people sharing each tank. By providing communities with means to collect and store rainwater, WOGI meets immediate needs while fostering long-term resilience and community development.

– Lauren Thompson

Lauren is based in San Francisco, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Solar-Powered Well Revolution in India

Solar-powered wellsRajasthan, the largest state in India, is also one of the driest. The soil in the region is predominantly saline or alkaline, requiring a generous amount of water for successful cultivation. Some areas are covered by sand and desert. Many villages rely on traditional wells and seasonal rainfall, often insufficient to meet their needs. Water is scarce in Rajasthan but can typically be found at 100 to 200 feet deep.

The Invention

The state of Rajasthan is addressing its water needs with solar-powered wells. This cost-effective solution offers farmers an alternative to unpredictable rainfall. These solar-powered wells are replacing costly diesel or grid-powered pumps in some areas. The solar-powered pump draws water from underground to the surface, making it available for agricultural use. This innovation is a significant boost for farmers, greatly enhancing farm productivity and improving food security. Rajasthan is home to numerous large solar power parks, the first of its kind in India. It was established in a village in the state in 2012. Since then, many more solar parks have been developed in Rajasthan and across India.

The Indian government has set up 57 solar parks across 13 states, with nine in Rajasthan. This indicates that while Rajasthan pioneered this initiative, other parts of the country are also eager to harness the benefits of solar energy. Rajasthan’s favorable landscape and sunny climate make it an ideal location for renewable energy projects, particularly in the solar sector. The state remains the leading solar-powered region in India, with a capacity exceeding 16 gigawatts. Major solar power companies in India, such as Tata Power Solar, Insolation Energy and Goldi Solar, are prominent players.

Solar-Powered Revolution in India

India is experiencing a solar-powered revolution in agriculture. The Indian government has subsidized solar pumps to nearly 100,000 farmers, which now irrigate more than a million acres and have increased agricultural water use by more than a quarter. Despite these advancements, 16.3% of the Indian population still suffers from undernutrition.

Agriculture is essential for achieving India’s national food security goals and remains the backbone of the country’s economy, with more than 70% of the population involved in agriculture-related activities. Solar-powered wells are now playing a significant role in enhancing food stability across the country. By 2026, more than three million farmers are expected to use solar-powered wells. This technology is rapidly spreading among rural communities in water-scarce regions in India, Africa and beyond. These wells are used for agricultural purposes, provide drinking water and serve other needs within the communities.

Looking Ahead

Groundwater is not unlimited; it has dried up to 400 feet below the surface in some areas. Despite this, solar-powered wells offer a valuable temporary solution to farmers’ challenges. In the future, the government and farmers will need to develop more permanent solutions for irrigation. Although this innovation is not a permanent fix, it has advanced the country’s progress toward renewable energy. Today, farmers are embracing creativity and innovation, using solar power to address various aspects of farming.

– Sigrid Nyhammer

Sigrid Nyhammer is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Water Rights: How NGOs Respond to Tanzania’s Water Crisis

Tanzania’s Water CrisisTanzania faces an ongoing water crisis due to the lack of access to clean water and sanitation, which many families face. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as End Water Poverty are working hard to combat Tanzania’s water crisis and provide individuals with their right to clean water and sanitation.

Tanzania’s Water Crisis

Tanzania is an extremely dry country, with one-third considered arid to semi-arid. Several large lakes surround Tanzania that provide water for those who live nearby. However, the reality is that many do not have access to freshwater and instead must resort to contaminated groundwater from wells or bacteria-infested surface water. According to the Water Project, water-borne illnesses account for more than half of the population’s diseases due to the lack of sanitary water options, with malaria and cholera being the most common.

Alleviating the Pressure on Children

According to WaterAid, 25.7 million people in Tanzania lack clean water near their homes. That means that two out of five people in Tanzania are required to travel long distances to collect safe water. This task is predominantly placed on women and children.

One young girl, 11-year-old Tausi Katambarai from the Kigoma Region of Tanzania, was tasked with trekking 10 kilometers daily to collect 20 liters of water from a well she would need to carry on her head to carry home. Her responsibility to collect water for her family meant that she could only attend class twice a week, which had an extremely negative effect on her education.

To combat this, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) partnered with Water Mission Tanzania to drill boreholes in the Kigoma Region and piped water to schools and villages. This is part of a larger program of 15 projects that has “significantly transformed the lives of vulnerable groups, including women, girls and children,” according to Eng: Denis Arbogast, Project Manager at Water Mission. Teachers at Tausi Katambari’s school have praised the initiative and reported that class attendance has improved significantly since gaining nearby water access.

The #ClaimYourWaterRights Campaign

End Water Poverty is a “global civil society coalition” that campaigns to fulfill people’s human rights to sanitation and safe water. It works at different levels to advocate for governments to respect and protect what it calls “water rights,” a shorthand for the human rights to water and sanitation.

The #ClaimYourWaterRights campaign was first launched in 2019 and aimed to provide various groups with knowledge and confidence to advocate for water rights using the international human rights framework. The campaign focused on informing governments of their duties and educating vulnerable communities whose rights had been violated and their entitlements as holders of water rights.

Additionally, each year, the NGO grants $1,200-$6,000 to projects that support the campaign through advocacy and community mobilization.

The WaterCredit Solution

Another NGO that hopes to solve Tanzania’s water crisis is Water.org, which has been piloting water and sanitation programs in the country since 2017. According to the initiative, the country’s high demand for water and sanitation has created a dynamic market for water products such as storage tanks, rain harvesting devices and pipes.

The WaterCredit Initiative is Water.org’s loan program, which provides financing and resources to individuals facing water scarcity. Since its inception in Tanzania, the charity has disbursed 13,000 loans, granting more than 230,000 people access to household water and toilet solutions.

Hope for the Future

While the water crisis in Tanzania continues to impact millions of people daily, there is hope that the work of NGOs such as UNICEF, End Water Poverty and Water.org can go some way toward safeguarding individuals’ water rights.

– Carla Messinger

Carla is based in Oxford, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Dreamwater Providing Drinking Water in Bangladesh

DreamwaterDreamwater Enterprises LTD is a venture under Footsteps Bangladesh that provides Bangladeshi civilians with quality drinking water at an affordable price. Through the construction of water plants, portable water filters and low-cost household filters, Dreamwater has converted more than 4,50,000 liters of flood water into drinking water.

Bangladesh’s Water Crisis

Bangladesh, with a population of 171 million, faces a severe water crisis. More than 18% of its population lives below the poverty line and more than 40% lack access to safe water. This lack of access to clean water sources contributes to the prevalence of water-borne diseases such as diarrhea, dengue fever and tuberculosis. One of the most pressing issues is water contamination. Bangladesh has the highest rate of arsenic-contaminated water in the world, primarily due to natural geological sources polluting groundwater. The presence of arsenic in drinking water poses serious health risks, including skin lesions, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and developmental effects.

Furthermore, the country faces significant challenges due to high salinity levels in its water. This problem is exacerbated by a decrease in the Ganges River’s upstream flow, which has led to increased salinity intrusion from the Bay of Bengal. High salinity not only makes drinking water unsafe but also affects agriculture, as saline water can damage crops and reduce agricultural productivity. This, in turn, threatens food security and the livelihoods of farmers, who make up a significant portion of the population.

Bangladesh’s frequent and severe flooding compounds the water crisis. Flooding can contaminate freshwater sources with pollutants and pathogens, further reducing the availability of safe drinking water. During the monsoon season, the risk of water-borne diseases increases as floodwaters spread contaminants over large areas.

Dreamwater’s Work

Dreamwater’s innovations in water filtration have enabled it to take water from floods and convert it into safe drinking water. The filters take flood water and eliminate odor, enhance taste and remove potential toxins. Its portable water filters can be carried anywhere to convert any water into drinking water. The hand-powered version of the filter allows those in areas without electricity to have access to clean drinking water.

Dreamwater has created centralized water plants that can filter water for entire houses, apartment buildings, factories and other large-scale facilities. This creates safe tap water for drinking and bathing, helping eliminate the spread of waterborne disease in highly populated areas.

Dreamwater filters can convert more than 75 liters of water an hour and last more than 15,000 liters before needing replacement. They are priced at 20,000 BDT, which is around $170, making them affordable for low-income communities throughout the country.

Final Remark

With Dreamwater’s filters, areas in Bangladesh that have been ravished by flooding have an ensured source of clean drinking water at an affordable price. These filters help communities throughout Bangladesh save money and avoid disease, helping fight the country’s poverty and illness issues.

– Nicolas Mezzaucella

Nicolas is based in New Rochelle, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 NGOs Providing Clean Water in Laos

Clean Water in LaosThe issue of water in Laos is not one of abundance but cleanliness. The Southeast Asian nation is home to heavy rainfall, the Mekong River and plenty of other smaller bodies. However, according to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), only 17.87% of people in Laos have access to an improved water source that is safely managed. This means that of the 7.5 million Lao people, only 1.5 million can obtain properly treated clean water that comes from reliable delivery systems such as pipes, wells and protected springs. In terms of rankings, this puts Laos second to last in the region and 110th out of the 120 countries that USAID has calculated this statistic.

Furthermore, a significant portion of the predominantly rural Lao population lacks access to proper sanitation facilities, forcing them to defecate in open areas. This practice leads to runoff, contaminating the drinking water supply with fecal matter. The scarcity of clean water in Laos has severe public health implications. Contaminated water is a major contributor to diarrheal diseases, which are the 8th leading cause of death in the country. According to a 2019 World Health Organization (WHO) estimate, 21.6 people per 100,000 in Laos died from diarrhea.

Joint Partnerships

Even though much needs to be accomplished, improvements have been made. In 2023, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Government of Laos celebrated the 50th anniversary of their partnership. When they started working together, less than 300,000 people had access to clean water. As of 2023, the capital province of Vientiane was officially declared Open Defecation-Free (ODF). Additionally, “three more provinces are nearing ODF status and nearly 86% of villages nationally achieved this benchmark.” A lot of this success can be attributed to intergovernmental organizations like UNICEF, the WHO and USAID. However, several smaller organizations have done and continue to do vital work in providing water to the people of Lao. Here are three nonprofits providing access to clean water in Laos.

Abundant Water

Founded in 2008 by Australian Engineer Sunny Forsyth, Abundant Water makes clay pottery water filters. It has been operating in Laos since 2011. After an initial 12-village survey that involved recording water use data, sample testing and trainee hiring, the organization built its production and training center in Vientiane. So far, it has “distributed 11,670 handmade ceramic water filters reaching 103,881 beneficiaries throughout the country.”

Through its work, Abundant Water also promotes sustainability. Beyond manufacturing the clay filters, it also trains local potters on how to make the filters themselves. During the first year of operation, it trained five ceramicists from remote rural villages to produce the filters on their own. By the end of the training, all of them were able to make a filter that produced clean enough water to meet the national standard.

After 12 years, more than 192 Lao people have been trained, leading to a significant impact on the ground. Abundant Water’s flagship project in Xaisomboun province targeted 33 villages, installed 794 filters and provided clean water to 3,864 people. Of all 3864 people, 98% of the households reported improved health, 86% saved time from not having to boil water, 81% reduced firewood consumption and “65% of families saved” between $0.23 to $0.90 (5,000-20,000 KIP) a week.”

Planet Water

Mark Steele established the Planet Water Foundation in 2009. Since then, it has provided clean water to more than 4 million people in 28 different countries in the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America. Planet Water has been operating in Laos since 2010. The primary method by which it produces clean water is through its AquaTower community water filtration system. Mostly implemented in rural schools, the AquaTower uses gravity to remove dangerous pathogens, producing drinking water for up to 1,800 people. There are also handwashing stations attached. This is particularly important because 44% of schools do not have a basic water supply and 68% lack basic sanitation. Most kids in these schools have to “rely on bottled water for drinking. Students who cannot afford this luxury have no option but to bring unfiltered water from their home.”

East Meets West

East Meets West, also known as Thrive Networks, was founded in 1988 by Le Ly Hayslip, the author of “When Heaven and Earth Changed Places.” This memoir, about her peaceful childhood and war-torn early adulthood, later served as the inspiration for Oliver Stone’s “Heaven & Earth,” starring Tommy Lee Jones. Initially, East Meets West operations provided clean water, health and education to communities in Vietnam. However, since 2010, East Meets West expanded into Cambodia and Laos. This was possible with help from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, the World Bank and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. 

Since 2014, East Meets West has supplied water to nearly 90,000 people in Laos, including more than 12,000 schoolchildren. It has also built more than 5,000 toilet facilities in rural areas. Working in Luang Prabang, Sayyabouly and Champasak provinces, the organization uses a Women-led Output Based Aid (WOBA) solution, creating “meaningful gender empowerment outcomes by systematically engaging women as change agents in the sector and decision-makers in the household.” In the future, East Meets West is looking to expand into more provinces in order to continue providing clean water in Laos.

– Mason Borden

Mason is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Using Technology to Combat Drought in Kenya

How Kenya Uses Technology to Combat DroughtIn Kenya, only 27 weather stations are operational and they are spread over vast distances. This scarcity leaves many farmers without accurate weather forecasts, particularly rainfall, crucial for their agriculture. Farming in Kenya, a region prone to droughts, depends heavily on timing. The absence of reliable rainfall predictions forces farmers to risk planting seeds that may fail if expected rains do not materialize. This ongoing challenge is compounded by the region’s climate, which is not only prone to erratic rainfall and frequent droughts but is also expected to experience worsening conditions over the next decade.

The Impact of Drought in Kenya

Droughts in Kenya pose severe threats to the livelihoods of the poorest populations, who are predominantly smallholder farmers and pastoralists. These groups rely heavily on rainfall for irrigation and extended droughts often deplete alternative water sources like boreholes and rivers. The primary impact of drought is the destruction of agricultural assets. Without adequate water, crops fail prematurely, leaving farmers without food or income from harvests. Additionally, the loss of crops prevents future planting due to the loss of seeds. Livestock farmers face similar challenges, with water scarcity leading to the death of essential forage and, subsequently, their animals. Recent reports have highlighted extreme conditions, with visuals of even camels perishing from dehydration, symbolizing the dire situation in the region.  

Recurring and intensifying droughts in Kenya have left more than 4.35 million residents of arid and semi-arid regions facing severe food shortages and limited access to clean water, leading to widespread malnutrition. These droughts not only pose immediate threats but also perpetuate chronic poverty. A study from the Technical University of Berlin reveals that households impacted by drought often experience deteriorating living conditions and reduced educational spending up to 10 years later. Moreover, early exposure to malnutrition significantly impairs cognitive development in children, affecting their abilities into adolescence and adulthood.

The Bridge Between Bird Songs and Weather Stations

Information Technology and Indigenous Knowledge with Intelligence (ITIKI), is a groundbreaking drought forecasting tool. This system integrates conventional meteorological data, inputs from locally stationed wireless sensors and indigenous weather indicators, processing all this information through artificial intelligence to deliver highly accurate weather forecasts.

ITIKI stands out among forecasting tools because it uniquely incorporates local indigenous knowledge into its predictions. This allows for highly specific, micro-level forecasts that the Kenyan National Meteorological Services cannot provide. Indigenous knowledge includes local signs that correlate with weather patterns, such as specific bird calls or the behavior of dragonflies, which are traditionally recognized as indicators of imminent rainfall. Residents report these signs through communication channels and the ITIKI system processes this data with artificial intelligence. Professor Masinde, a user of ITIKI, recounts, “My sister and I would hear that bird, we’d have to run home because it would rain precisely three hours later. It’s so precise.”

Kenya’s youth often dismiss indigenous knowledge as outdated, viewing it as a primitive forecasting method. Yet, from a data analysis perspective, indigenous knowledge represents a long-standing correlation between natural phenomena and meteorological patterns, as recognized by local observations. Although these traditional indicators may be too general to serve as the sole method for predicting droughts, when integrated with modern forecasting technologies, they significantly enhance accuracy at the local level by contributing specific meteorological insights.

ITIKI Combatting Drought in Kenya

With a remarkable micro-level precision of 500 meters, ITIKI boasts a 98% accuracy rate for forecasts up to 18 months and 70% for those extending to four years. This precision enables smallholder farmers to receive specific rainfall predictions for their villages, enhancing their agricultural planning. Professor Muthoni Masinde explains the practical applications: farmers can save seeds and funds by not planting ahead of anticipated dry spells, investing in drought-resistant crops if only limited rainfall is expected or even relocating if long-term forecasts predict insufficient rainfall.

The 2019 USAID performance report on ITIKI highlighted its impact on agricultural practices, with 74% of users reporting improved crop yields due to the system’s accurate forecasts. Additionally, all interviewed users expressed their endorsement of ITIKI to other farmers. The adoption of drought-resilient crop varieties increased among ITIKI users, who, leveraging precise weather predictions, often planted before anticipated rainfall, enhancing crop survival rates.

ITIKI’s Future

The ITIKI project, currently operational in Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa, assists smallholder farmers in managing drought in Kenya. According to a USAID report, while ITIKI has been beneficial, farmers have shown reluctance to pay for subscriptions themselves. In response, Professor Masinde has pivoted to a business-to-business model, partnering with government institutions keen on enhancing self-sufficiency among these farmers. Furthermore, Professor Masinde plans to broaden ITIKI’s user base across Africa, refine forecast accuracy and incorporate predictions for other environmental threats like locust invasions. This project offers a promising avenue for enhancing drought resilience and addressing poverty in innovative ways.

Looking Ahead

ITIKI’s integration of traditional knowledge with modern technology offers precise weather forecasting, vital for smallholder farmers in managing drought in Kenya. By providing accurate, village-specific rainfall predictions, ITIKI helps farmers make informed decisions, improving crop yields and reducing losses. As the system expands across Africa and incorporates additional environmental threats, it promises to enhance agricultural resilience and combat poverty in the region.

– Siwon Kim

Siwon is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr