Archive for category: Water

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How NGOs in India Are Fighting against the Water Crisis

NGOs in India India is currently going through a severe water crisis amid the record-breaking heat wave. In New Delhi, the temperature spiked to 121.8 degrees Fahrenheit in late May, resulting in 40,000 heat strokes and 110 deaths in the past three months. The majority of victims were low-income outdoor workers who spent most of their time outside in the sweltering weather. A contributing factor to the worsening weather crisis is the severe water shortage in India. Drinking water prevents heat strokes as water lowers the body temperature and replenishes the fluid lost from sweat. However, water has always been scarce in India due to agriculture. Agriculture alone takes up 80% of India’s water, but inefficient agricultural practices, such as the lack of irrigation and infrastructure, exacerbate the shortage. The low rainfall impacted by varying climatic conditions also contributes.

The Indian Government’s Response to the Water Crisis

The Delhi Jal Board is responsible for distributing potable water in New Delhi by providing municipal water tankers to the people. However, not everyone can access it. With New Delhi being an overly populous city, 30%- 40% of the people don’t have access to municipal water. With supply outweighing demand, this gave rise to the water mafias. These private water tank owners sell water to locals at expensive prices and often smuggle water illegally. However, people have no choice but to buy it because it is their only option. Bengaluru is one of the cities facing a severe water shortage. During election seasons, politicians promise to resolve the water crisis, knowing that all the voters want is water. However, that promise has yet to be implemented. In combating the water shortage in India, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are offering additional help to augment drinking water, enhance water quality and create a more effective agriculture system.

The Response of NGOs in India

Two NGOs, Sehgal Foundation and Save Indian Farmers, have been instrumental in combating India’s water crisis.

  • Sehgal Foundation: This NGO focuses on rural development and water management is one of its five main programs. The foundation has been constructing dams, ponds and tanks to augment water resources and Jalkap biosand water filters to enhance water quality. These stainless steel water filters are cost-effective as there is no need for electric power to filter and they are also effective against bacteria and parasites. Rooftop rainwater harvesting to conserve rainwater in underground school buildings is also one of its efforts. Since its inception in 1999, the organization has reached approximately five million people across 12 states in India.
  • Save Indian Farmers: This NGO strives to increase awareness of the high suicide rates among Indian farmers and help the farmer’s families and their agricultural practices. And creating a better water use system for agriculture is one of its goals. For example, in the village of Choriya Khata, there is extreme water scarcity as the village relies on agriculture and cattle rearing. To meet their agriculture and personal needs, the residents rely on insufficient groundwater. As a result, girls and mothers spend countless hours in search of water. In response, Save Indian Farmers has constructed rainwater harvesting systems to help recharge groundwater and augment drinking water, in addition to piped irrigation systems to reduce water use.

Technology for Better Water Management

The role of technology is crucial in better water management. Thus, adopting enhanced technology is inevitable to alleviate the water crisis in India. Technology enables a more effective use of water by analyzing accurate empirical data. Through data, water distribution and conservation can be improved, which can discover where water gets leaked and wasted. These technologies can have a tremendous impact in reducing water waste, which can then be used as drinking water instead. Technology also increases the public’s attention and fosters support. Donations and volunteering can be taken at a much larger scale through websites and social media.

– Eunsung Koh

Eunsung is based in Seoul, South Korea and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Clean Drinking Water for the Rohingya

Water for the RohingyaAmid the Rohingya refugee crisis, clean drinking water remains a critical and elusive lifeline, with Cox’s Bazar’s limited infrastructure leaving countless at risk from waterborne diseases. In the early days of the crisis, humanitarian agencies focused on providing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services.

For various reasons, Cox’s Bazar’s land cannot maintain clean water and much of the water tested at the beginning of the crisis showed high levels of Escherichia coli. The issue of contaminated water persisted due to limited capacity for water treatment centers, limited supplies and geographical constraints.

The WHO’s Efforts

The World Health Organisation (WHO) took action quickly. In 2018, it distributed 2,150 water filters and community filters and “conducted training for health partners on installing and maintenance of the filters,” which, in hopes, would provide five years of clean water. However, conditions remained challenging. In 2019, cholera, typhoid, diarrhea and Acute Watery Diarrhea were reported to be widespread among the refugees.

Amid the pandemic, conditions only worsened, with a virus requiring frequent handwashing; the Rohingya faced challenges combating this. Additionally, due to unsanitary water, many in the camps tested positive for hepatitis A and pregnant women posed a particular threat of contracting hepatitis E from the infected water.

The Human Relief Foundation

Access to clean water for the Rohingya has become a focus of many charitable organizations. The Human Relief Foundation (HRF) has worked toward providing more clean water for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. For example, HRF has built a well in Rankut, in Cox’s Bazar, where 172 school students and 35 households dwell, limiting the distance residents have to travel to collect water. This, in turn, limits the possibility of infections in the water and allows for time focused on activities like schooling and volunteering.

World Water Day 2024 Initiatives in Cox’s Bazar

In March 2024, World Water Day was celebrated in Cox’s Bazar and the surrounding host countries. Community Partners International is a nonprofit that empowers vulnerable communities in Asia. It has distributed more than 100,000 water purification tablets, 2,500 hygiene kits and around 50,000 soap packets. Additionally, it provided the Rohingya with 43,000 “household education sessions” to help address the clean water crisis.

Final Remark

Despite efforts, Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar still struggle with clean water access. Continued global support and investment in WASH infrastructure and education are vital to combat waterborne diseases and improve well-being, ensuring safe water remains a priority for these vulnerable communities.

– Lydia Young

Lydia is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Aquapreneurs Address Water Scarcity

AquapreneursAccess to clean water is a critical issue worldwide, especially in low-income countries located in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel region, such as Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia. The state of global freshwater is under threat due to the changing climate and anthropogenic activities. Globally, the world’s largest freshwater withdrawals come from agriculture (70%), industry (just less than 20%) and domestic use (approximately 12%). However, aquapreneurs are addressing water scarcity by creating innovative solutions to manage and distribute water resources efficiently.

The surge in demand for freshwater stems primarily from a combination of socioeconomic development, industrial growth and consumption patterns. The high demand stems from cities, urban areas and regions experiencing fast economic growth. The consequences of this high demand and withdrawal of water leave approximately 50% of the global population with water scarcity for at least one month a year. This can put areas under water stress, which creates a decrease in social stability, an increase in migration and a decrease in work, as 80% of jobs in low-income countries are water-dependent. More than 33% of African countries are considered to be “water-insecure” as the changing climate increases temperatures and precipitation.

The United Nations (U.N.) warns that a global water crisis is imminent and poses severe risks to food security, diseases and livelihoods. Global warming exacerbates the water crisis by amplifying the water cycle, resulting in higher amounts of water vapor. This directly impacts Earth’s weather patterns, heating (temperature) and precipitation levels (creates excessive flooding and droughts). In response to these challenges, Aquapreneurs are creating innovative solutions to conserve and manage water resources.

Aquapreneurs and the Global Freshwater Challenge

The World Economic Forum collaborated with UpLink to help solve some of the world’s most difficult challenges, such as water scarcity. The Global Freshwater Challenge was launched in 2022. It is a five-year Innovation Initiative that seeks to make freshwater ecosystems healthier and more resilient. This challenge was the first of five parts and out of 198 submissions, 10 winners were chosen. Here are three of the winning innovations for the Horn of Africa and the Sahel Region:

Wateroam Pte Ltd

The company Wateroam created a portable (weighing about five kg) filtration pump to bring safe drinking water to disaster zones and rural communities. The manual pump has an ultrafiltration chamber that can remove 99.99% of bacteria and viruses, including E. Coli and salmonella microbes. The water is ready to drink immediately after filtering and is cheap and easy to use. It is currently used in more than 40 countries, including South Africa. It is helping more than 200,000 people worldwide.

Openversum

Openversum has developed a water filtration system that is currently being used in Somalia and Uganda. The filter can be locally manufactured. It is capable of removing contaminants such as pathogens, heavy metals, pesticides and micropollutants from water. This is an important development, as poor sanitation and inadequate wastewater treatment can increase the risk of diarrheal disease. The manufacturing costs of the filter are low and create job opportunities in affected areas.

Majik Water Technologies

Majik Water is a women-led organization that uses technology to produce water from the air in arid and semi-arid regions in Kenya. Extraction of fresh water from the air is safer than groundwater extraction because groundwater contains high levels of arsenic and fluoride. The technology acts as a dehumidifier. It draws air into the machine through an electrostatic filter, passes over refrigerated coils and then builds moisture on the coils.

Finally, the water is deposited into a holding tank. Currently, 90% of Kenya’s water sources are depleted, which increases malnutrition and the risk of disease. Yet, with this technology, more than 200,000 liters of clean drinking water is being produced each month cost-effectively and efficiently using solar thermal energy.

Conclusion

Water is an essential part of sustaining life. The Global Freshwater Challenge empowers Aquapreneurs to address water scarcity by developing innovative solutions to help ensure access to clean drinking water. UpLink continues to feature innovation challenges to provide Aquapreneurs the opportunity to showcase their work for increased exposure and the potential for financial rewards. 

– Gabrielle Schwartz

Gabrielle is based in Tallahassee, FL, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Private Sector Is Driving Water Solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa

Water in Sub-Saharan AfricaThe continent of Africa boasts extensive geographical and biological diversity. With this heterogeneity, it is critical to tackle poverty from a multidimensional lens. This article focuses on using solar technology in Sub-Saharan Africa to provide clean water and access to water for farming and health facilities, addressing resource poverty.

The Sub-Saharan countries alone have 1.2 billion citizens and projections by the World Bank indicate that this number will increase to 2.7 billion by 2060. The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis states that an unpredictable and erratic rainfall pattern is a major contributor to low productivity and food insecurity in Africa. This is further compounded by a low degree of mechanization, which reinforces a persistent poverty trap. Cyclical famines triggered by these factors pose a significant threat to local development opportunities.

Startups and established solar tech companies in the region are using solar energy-powered systems to tackle water scarcity. By doing so, they are setting an example for the future of farming development. This approach produces positive economic outcomes that have a ripple effect on the health and well-being of citizens and the global economy as a whole.

Blazing the Trail for Progress

Although the continent receives “60% of the world’s solar resources, Africa has only 1% of solar generation capacity.” This is largely due to economic constraints caused by reverberations from the global pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Filling in the gaps, partnerships between governments and the private sector are increasingly opening up opportunities for citizens to harness solar energy to power irrigation systems.

SunCulture is one example of the many companies and startups funding development projects in countries experiencing the highest levels of water scarcity, including but not limited to Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda. SunCulture alone has raised more than “40 million to equip rural farmers with solar-powered irrigation systems.” Rural farmers previously relied on rainfall or oil power to produce the water necessary for production.

Now, with help from SunCulture, they have access to cheap and renewable energy to run irrigation systems that require “minimal maintenance.” Put simply by SunCulture’s chief of staff, Mikayla Czajkowski, solar energy offers “positive environmental impact, job creation potential and economic development potential.”

The potential for harnessing solar power is extensive. One foreign company leading the charge is Business Finland, which introduced the SolarRO 1500 desalination system in the village of Tseikuru, Kenya. Many communities living rurally or in city “slums” in Kenya have historically relied on contaminated water as the only available resource.

SolarRO utilizes solar energy to operate reverse osmosis systems. This empowers communities to clean the existing water resources without the costs that come with drilling and building irrigation systems. While irrigation systems are best for farming development, reverse osmosis offers a simpler solution to the prevalence of contaminated water, with the reliance on solar (renewable) energy being a key aspect of a cost-efficient implementation.

High Hopes and High Rewards

A SunCulture impact survey found that “89% of smallholder farmers experienced a boost in their quality of life, 90% increased their production and 87% enhanced their earnings.” The success of these projects revolves around the sustainable and efficient nature of implementation. With roughly 36.7% of the population of sub-Saharan countries living on $2.15 a day, costs present a slight challenge.

While many companies have developed solutions based on grants and funds raised, the future and sustainability of these water solutions require a structured water industry all over Sub-Saharan Africa. As communities are given access to water, impact analyses show that production capacities increase and, with it, the quality of life. By investing in solar energy solutions now, the economic and health sectors will see positive, sustainable change in the future.

As the world strives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, initiatives like the solar-powered water project serve as beacons of hope. They demonstrate that sustainable solutions to poverty are within reach. By leveraging renewable energy and community-driven approaches, there is the potential for clean water to catalyze positive change and create a brighter future for generations to come in rural Africa and beyond.

– Kiera Gorman

Kiera is based in Santa Cruz, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Transformative Gains in Water and Sanitation Across Asia

Water and Sanitation Across AsiaIn recent years, Asia has been making commendable strides in the realm of water and sanitation. There has been a wave of positive change that promises a brighter, healthier future for millions. The unfolding narrative explores the vibrant tapestry of initiatives and innovations that define this transformative era for those in Asia.

WASH Initiatives Taking Root

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives have become catalysts for change across the continent. Countries like India, with its Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), have set ambitious goals to enhance sanitation infrastructure and promote hygiene practices. This concerted effort has yielded visible improvements in rural and urban areas alike.

WASH initiatives go beyond infrastructure development; they emphasize education and awareness. Programs across countries like Indonesia are not only building toilets but also educating communities about the importance of hygiene. These initiatives instill sustainable practices, ensuring that the impact endures for generations.

Innovative Technologies Making a Splash

The adoption of innovative technologies is revolutionizing water and sanitation solutions. In countries such as Singapore, advanced water treatment technologies, including recycled water for domestic use, are not just addressing scarcity concerns but also setting a benchmark for sustainable practices.

Community-Led Sanitation Programs

Community engagement has emerged as a linchpin in the journey towards better sanitation. Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) programs, as seen in Bangladesh, empower local communities to take charge of their sanitation needs. The result is open defecation-free villages and improved health outcomes.

Cross-Border Collaboration for Clean Water

The importance of cross-border collaboration cannot be overstated The Mekong River Commission (MRC) stands as a testament to regional collaboration. Established to promote sustainable development and management of water resources, the MRC facilitates dialogue and joint decision-making among member countries. By sharing data, coordinating infrastructure projects, and fostering cooperation, the MRC contributes to equitable water use and addresses issues of water quality and quantity. The Mekong River Commission, involving countries like Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, exemplifies regional cooperation for sustainable water resource management, ensuring access to clean water for millions. 

Private Sector Partnerships Flowing In

Partnerships with the private sector are proving instrumental in addressing water and sanitation challenges. Organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are investing in innovative sanitation technologies and solutions, aiming to provide access to safe sanitation facilities for underserved communities.

The progress in water and sanitation across Asia is undeniably heartening. The collaborative efforts of governments, communities, and innovative thinkers are creating a ripple effect that goes beyond infrastructure improvements, touching the lives of millions. As the wave of positive change continues to swell, the future looks promising for a region where access to clean water and sanitation is no longer a luxury but a fundamental right.

– Diana Vu
Photo: Flickr

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“Water Life” in Ethiopia

Water LifeAida Muluneh is an Ethiopian photographer and cultural entrepreneur. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she works as an educator “developing projects with local and international institutions in Ethiopia and Côte d’Ivoire.”

Shining Light on Water Poverty

In 2018, alongside WaterAid and the H&M Foundation, Aida created a series of works focusing on the scarcity of safe water. WaterAid is an NGO established in 1981 to provide clean water and sanitation to people around the world. Its mission is to “transform the lives of the poorest and most marginalized people by improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.”

Founded in 2013, the H&M Foundation is an NGO based in Stockholm, Sweden that uses “philanthropic resources to find, fund and facilitate disruptive innovations, initiatives and research that enable a socially inclusive and planet positive textile industry.” Its website states “We believe that change is best achieved when a diverse group of people join forces and commit to a common agenda to solve complex challenges.”

WaterAid gave Aida “complete artistic freedom” and provided her with “information about the issues around water security, especially in Ethiopia.” The Water Life exhibition developed from a conversation about the pairing of art and advocacy, the issues of access to safe water and the impact that water scarcity had on women and children in Africa.

For the Water Life exhibition, Aida photographed the women in the Afar region in Northern Ethiopia, “one of the hottest and driest places on Earth.” Her goal was to address the issue of water scarcity without the clichés that mainstream media and aid organizations often represent, stating that she realized that “art can be a form of advocacy,” Canon reports.

Water Scarcity

Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient clean water to meet daily demands. Access to fresh drinking water dwindles due to both human factors and extreme weather conditions. Globally, 785 million people do not have access to clean drinking water. Each day more than 800 children die from preventable diseases that poor water causes in many communities around the world. The scarcity of safe water supplies can cause families and their communities to become locked in poverty for generations.

In the past 20 years, “Ethiopia has made remarkable strides in ensuring access to safe drinking water,” USAID reports. However, it continues to “face challenges in overall water, sanitation and hygiene and WASH coverage.” According to USAID, “in Ethiopia, diarrheal disease is the second cause of hospital admission and death among children under 5 years of age.”

Water scarcity affects women and children the most. According to World Vision, children are “more vulnerable to diseases of dirty water” and women and girls ” often bear the burden of carrying water for their families for an estimated 200 million hours each day.”

In Conclusion

Access to safe water and sanitation is a precondition to life and a declared human right. Water is vitally important to sustainable development – from health and nutrition to gender equity and economics. The artistic perspective of Aida Muluneh transitioned from a conversation into a vibrant artistic advocacy addressing the global issue of water scarcity.

Aida intended to create images that showed the challenges of water scarcity and emphasize the strength and resilience of the women who face these daily difficulties framed by the beauty, heritage and culture of the continent. “I could not stop thinking about the time it takes to collect water. Today, and every day, girls and women will spend more than 200 hours walking for water. If a young girl must spend three hours transporting water, whether for cooking feeding, bathing or drinking, that is three hours she could have been in school, getting an education,” Aida wrote for WaterAid.

– Pamela Fenton
Photo: Flickr

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The Impact of Surge for Water on Indonesian Communities

Surge for WaterSurge for Water, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing water scarcity issues, has made significant strides in helping Indonesian communities. In a country where water scarcity is a pressing concern, Surge for Water’s mission and innovative approach have brought about tangible improvements in the lives of many. By understanding the water crisis in Indonesia and implementing sustainable solutions, the organization has become a beacon of hope for communities facing water-related challenges. Surge for Water has improved access to clean and safe drinking water in Indonesia.

How Did Surge for Water Come To Be?

The inspiration for launching Surge for Water originated during a childhood visit to India, where founder Shilpa Alva observed children her age deprived of the opportunity to play, forced instead to fetch water. As a child, she recognized the injustice of children bearing such responsibilities for their families’ survival.

At 21, Alva undertook a teaching assignment in the remote Indian village of Rajgarh. She encountered students frequently absent from school due to water-related illnesses or limitations. The establishment of Surge in 2008 was a direct response to this fundamental need. It was also a personal calling to address the water crisis affecting communities like those Alva had witnessed in India.

What Brought Surge for Water to Indonesia?

The Southeast Asian country of Indonesia, is facing a pressing issue threatening the well-being of its people and the environment – water scarcity. The water crisis in Indonesia is multifaceted, with several contributing factors exacerbating the situation.

  • Deforestation: Indonesia ranks among the top countries with high deforestation rates. The main causes include illegal logging, agriculture and pulp and paper production. The rampant deforestation in the country has led to erosion, causing the clogging of rivers with silt and agricultural pollutants. This has resulted in a drastic decline in downstream water quality and availability.
  • Urbanization: As more people migrate to urban areas, the demand for water rises, putting a strain on existing water supplies. In fact, Java Island has the highest water stress compared to other regions. It accommodates more than half of the overall population but only has access to 4% of the surface water supply.
  • Pollution: While industrial and agricultural activities contribute to the water crisis in Indonesia, poor sanitation and mismanagement of waste are causing the most pollution. Approximately 25 million Indonesians do not have access to proper sanitation facilities. This results in widespread open defecation in many outdoor locations. This practice contributes to water contamination and the spreading of diarrheal diseases, including cholera. In fact, a quarter of children under the age of 5 in Indonesia are affected by diarrhea. This makes diarrhea the leading cause of child mortality in the country.

How Surge for Water Is Making a Difference in Indonesia

Surge for Water takes a holistic approach to addressing the water crisis in Indonesia. It works closely with local communities to assess their specific needs and develop sustainable solutions that will have a lasting impact. This includes implementing water filtration systems, conducting hygiene education programs and empowering community members to take ownership of their water sources.

For example, at SD Pari Deta, an elementary school, the previous reliance on distant springs and rainfall for water hurt students and teachers due to inadequate toilet facilities. After an assessment, it was discovered that the school faced challenges such as a contaminated rainwater collection tank and a deteriorating well. Open defecation was also prevalent among students. It was determined that constructing a rainwater tank and improving toilet facilities were necessary.

Through collaboration with the local community and school leadership, a rainwater harvesting tank was installed to store 10,400 liters of water. A new toilet with separate stalls for boys and girls was also constructed. Yuliana Boko Kaka, a teacher for second-grade students, stated that the availability of clean water and secure restroom facilities has significantly influenced her students’ behavior. This has led to reduced consumption of contaminated water, the practice of open defecation and the neglect of handwashing practices.

Conclusion

Thanks to Surge for Water’s efforts, thousands of people in Indonesia now have access to clean and safe drinking water. This has not only improved the health and well-being of these individuals but has also empowered communities to thrive and grow. By providing necessities like clean water, the nonprofit is laying the foundation for a brighter future for the people of Indonesia.

– Sara Hatab
Photo: Unsplash

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LWML: Mission Grants for the Children of Kenya

Mission Grants for the Children of Kenya Children in Kenya are struggling. In places like Kisumu, many are living on the streets, “begging and stealing to survive.” They sleep in unsafe and unsanitary places such as parks or the sewer. There is a lack of clean drinking water for those who attend school, especially in rural areas where children must walk long distances to retrieve water that may not even be safe for them to drink. Water-borne illness is a common cause of low school attendance and children falling behind in schoolwork. Fortunately, these problems have caught the attention of an organization that now provides mission grants for the children of Kenya. These organizations take action to improve the conditions for Kenyan children with the financial help of missionaries and auxiliaries.

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML)

Founded in 1942, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) is an official auxiliary of the Lutheran Church. Its purpose is to encourage and equip Christian women to live in active ministry and support global missions. Each year, the members of LWML vote on a list of missions to support and establish a financial goal to reach for them. A few missions working on improving the lives of Kenyan children have made the list. Here are two of LWML’s mission grants for the children of Kenya.

Water and the Word for Rural Schools in Kenya

This is one of the mission grants for the children of Kenya that started in 2008 when a man from Nebraska was traveling around East Africa and saw the need for clean drinking water in rural areas and took action. Through help from social workers and educators in Nakuru, he developed a system of water harvesting equipment. The team installed water storage, filters, hand-washing systems, rain gutters and tanks in schools across Kenya.

In 2016, the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod took over the project. It became an organization that continues to bring clean water resources and religious teachings to schools in Kenya. In 2019, LWLM members approved the mission grant to continue supporting this project.

Capstone Ministries

Capstone Ministries is another project on the list of mission grants for the children of Kenya that LWML supports. Founded in 2005, the organization focuses on bringing street children in Kenya, especially the areas in and around Kisumu, back to their families. There are many challenges that this process includes such as children who feel shame, hopelessness or poverty burden and do not want to go back home. By 2016, Capstone Ministries reconciled 678 children with their families, according to its website. The project’s members frequently visit these children and their families to ensure all is going well.

In Kenya, high school education is not free. The average yearly price is $650 and many cannot afford it. Capstone Ministries started a scholarship fund to provide affordable opportunities for kids to continue school. In 2016, the organization sponsored 42 boys in secondary school, according to its website.

LWML Involvement

In addition to providing mission grants for the children of Kenya, members of LWML become personally involved with the missions themselves. Shurie Scheel was one of these hands-on people in 2022 when she visited Kenya to see the progress of the Water and the Word project. Scheel is the grant administrator for Water and the Word and is an active member of LWML at her local Lutheran church in Wyoming.

While visiting the schools, Scheel and her group brought the children soccer balls, books, school supplies, as well as sanitary supplies for the schoolgirls to keep them going to school. Representing the LWML, she established groundwork and connections with the people working on the mission. She was able to bring back information and visual evidence that the money LWML was giving to the project was having a positive impact on the lives of the schoolchildren therefore encouraging more donations.

Missionary groups like the LWML are helping to provide financial support for projects like Water and the Word and Capstone Ministries. This process relieves the time-consuming fundraising efforts so the missions can work on important things like improving the lives of impoverished children.

– Heather Gisi
Photo: Unsplash

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Ceramic Filtration: A Possible Solution To Water Stress

Ceramic FiltrationAccording to UNESCO’s U.N. Water, “Globally, two billion people do not have safe drinking water and 3.6 billion lack access to safely managed sanitation.” Ceramic filtration is a helpful creation that can reduce contaminated water in various developing countries at a low price.

What Is Ceramic Filtration?

Ceramic filtration uses clay to create a case to remove impurities from water sources, such as water-borne bacteria, microplastics, heavy metals and toxic chemicals. The process of creating ceramic filtrations is quite simple. In a bucket, shifted powdered clays will be mixed gradually with water and combustible burn-out material (natural materials that can be burned), such as coffee grounds, crushed charcoal, sawdust, or ground rice husks. Mixing these materials will create a soft, moldable paste. Then, the clay will be pressed into the bucket to mold around the bucket’s shape and eliminate excess water.

With the clay is in its desired shape, the crafter will leave it to air dry properly for 30 days on a dry shelf. After air drying, the clay is placed in the kiln at 877 to 1006 degrees Celsius. Once the ceramic pot is assembled and adequately dried, ridding water of bacteria and chemicals is simple. Pouring water into the clay pot with a bucket underneath allows water to permeate through but not sediments and bacteria into the bucket.

Why Is Ceramic a Possible Solution To Water Stress?

Ceramics is a viable option for developing countries as clay is an ample resource and can be found easily in different climates. The cost of water filtration systems is too expensive for most developing countries to afford, “[Industrial water] systems costs can range significantly due to these variables, with some simple, low-flow systems running as low as $45,000, to high-end, high-capacity systems with price tags exceeding tens of millions of dollars.”

According to the World Bank, “Low-income economies have 2021 GNI per capita of up to $1,085.” This indicates that leaders in these countries may struggle to afford essential goods for their populations, let alone invest in filtration systems. Ceramic filtration is a possible solution to address water stress, offering an easily accessible and cost-effective resource. The creation of a ceramic filter typically costs around $50.

As stated by John Howarter, an assistant professor of materials engineering and environmental and ecological engineering at Purdue University, “A filter in Kenya costs about $50 in materials, with labor and transportation as additional costs, but that filter will last five to 10 years, so the overall cost is very low.”

Conclusion

Ceramic filtration is a possible solution to water stress, allowing billions of people to have clean, accessible water at an affordable cost. The dissemination of knowledge about inexpensive and easily deployable filtration methods is crucial in empowering individuals in underdeveloped countries, offering them a fair chance at a healthier life.

– Jessica Jean-Baptiste
Photo: Pixabay

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Poly-Fluorinated Alkyl Substances: PFAS in India

PFASTypically, when people think of pollution, we imagine tangible contaminants such as plastics that may take more than 500 years to degrade. However, recently, with the rise of global industrialization, more and more countries have introduced a new chemical that takes thousands of years to break down, known as PFAS (per- or polyfluorinated alkyl substances).

What Are PFAS?

These chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” belong to the fluorine-based group. They find widespread use in various household items like paint, fire extinguishers, cookware and more. PFAS has been shown to have many negative health impacts, including higher rates of cancer, decreased vaccine effectiveness and increased blood pressure and cholesterol.

The everlasting nature of this chemical means that once it comes into contact with humans, it leaves a lasting impact and accumulates over time. While many countries race to find solutions and create preventive pieces of legislation, India has remained quiet on the matter. With various risks to human and environmental health, the question arises: “How has the government been addressing the impact of per- or polyfluorinated alkyl substances in India?”

The Problem of PFAS in India

A major difference between PFAS in India and several other countries is the culture behind the burning of waste. However, when waste containing PFAS is burned, these chemicals are released into the air, posing a higher risk of exposure to individuals through inhalation. The limited research conducted on pollution levels in different locations across India reveals a significant correlation between population density and the levels of PFAS in both the air and dust. Additionally, these studies show that younger generations tend to have higher levels of PFAS in their body, indicating recent exposures.

PFAS is disproportionately affecting low-income neighborhoods, where residents often depend more on drinking water from nearby rivers, streams and wells, making them susceptible to contamination with these substances. Additionally, these areas are typically closer to large factories and plants that tend to use PFAS, further contributing to increased levels of exposure. With most of the people living in these communities also working in the plants, their exposure levels are exponentially higher than those who can afford to move away and work in less labor-intensive and less hazardous jobs.

What Is India Doing?

In 2006, India took a significant step in environmental protection by joining the Stockholm Convention in 2006. In 2009, the convention established a list of various PFAS substances considered harmful and recommended restrictions on them for member countries. However, India has not accepted this amendment to the convention and thus does not show any initiative towards regulating PFAS within the country.

With the nation focusing on industrialization and boosting the economy, there has been limited research on alternatives to PFAS in India and methods to combat pollution. PFAS remains the most convenient yet harmful substance that can create water, oil and stain-resistant materials. The lack of extensive research inhibits the formulation of concrete legislation and hinders the development of innovative solutions. To move forward, India could consider slowly implementing a blank ban across PFAS substances, taking cues from other countries that have successfully reduced pollution in bodies of water.

– Aman Chaudhary
Photo: Wikimedia Commons