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Cell Phone Signals, Rwanda and Water

cell phone signals
Like many developing or impoverished countries, Rwanda continues to be a victim of inadequate water supply and accessibility. However, a project piloted by an Oregon university may help put a dent in the nation’s water problem.

The idea is to use remote sensors to measure water supply. A project spearheaded by SweetSense Inc., and designed by Sustainable Water, Energy and Environmental Technologies Laboratory (SWEETLab) in partnership with the NGO Living Water International, the sensors will allow water pumps to be installed throughout the nation of Rwanda.

The sensors work by using cell phone signals to transmit details about water pumps through cloud computing infrastructure. The data the sensors collect includes information on water pressure, water quantity and when people are pumping water. Then, the data can be accessed through an online dashboard.

On any given day, thousands of water pumps are installed throughout Africa. Unfortunately, many usually fail within their first several years of implementation, and are never repaired or replaced. With SWEETLab’s sensors, technicians receive notifications by text message to alert them if a pump is broken or needs repair.

With a price tag of approximately $500 per unit, each sensor is battery-operated and is outfitted in a waterproof box. While 30 sensors have been already installed, Living Water International plans to install 200 sensors by the end of the year.

In collaboration with Portland State University, SWEETLab “develops and implements technologies for the support of life in remote environments.” The research organization works with academic institutions, industries and nonprofits throughout the world. Its research “focuses on improving accountability and methodologies for international development through improved data collection.”

SWEETLab has also helped to produce gravity water filters and clean-burning stoves. Kenya, Indonesia, Haiti, Rwanda and other countries have already implemented these technologies for use.

Rwanda is home to over 12 million people. According to Water For People, roughly 69 percent of Rwandans have access to clean water and sanitation services. It is also one of several African countries on target to accomplish seven of the eight Millenium Development Goals by 2015.

– Ethan Safran

Sources: All Africa, All Africa, Forbes, CIA, UNICEF, PDX, Water For People
Photo: Devex

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5 Water Cooperation Facts for World Water Day

International Year of Water Cooperation
Friday, March 22, 2013 is World Water Day. This year’s World Water Day is especially important because the UN has designated 2013 the International Year of Water Cooperation. Those new to water rights issues may wonder: what is water cooperation? Why have a year dedicated to water cooperation? This post will address some of the most important points about international water cooperation.

According to UN-Water:

1. The International Year of Water Cooperation aims to: raise awareness of water cooperation, initiate innovative action toward water cooperation, foster dialogue about water as a top international priority, and address water-related development goals for beyond 2015, when the Millennium Development Goals expire.

2. Water cooperation is: cooperation between all parties involved in water management. If one party does not cooperate, efficiency of water management decreases, to the detriment of human lives. Water cooperation happens on local, national, and international levels. Vital water sources such as rivers and ground water extend across political boundaries; cooperation is needed to share these resources. Building a village well or pumping water for irrigation requires the cooperation of separate parties, often with conflicting interests.

3. Water cooperation is essential because: without water cooperation, progress is impossible in other areas of human development such as food security, gender equality, and poverty reduction. Improving water access is key to reducing poverty, especially for women and children. Water cooperation creates economic benefits, and is necessary for preserving and protecting the natural environment. Life on earth depends on water; we are responsible for managing it sustainably and effectively.

4. Challenges to water cooperation are: reaching across social, political, and economic boundaries. Those involved in water management and policy-making must work with a broad range of stakeholders, local residents, governments, and NGOs. In these situations, cooperation and cultural understanding are essential for effective communication and decision-making. Water cooperation is further complicated by the increasing water needs of a growing population. Urbanization, pollution and climate change continue to threaten water resources, placing them under even greater pressure.

5. There are endless ways you can get involved with water cooperation efforts: educate yourself and others about water rights, impediments to water access, and water cooperation efforts. Engage others in your community to advocate for sustainable water management. Click here for more about how to get involved in World Water Day and the International Year of Water Cooperation!

– Kat Henrichs
Source: UN-Water
Photo:Tree Hugger