Ways to Help Provide Clean Water Abroad
Millions of people still drink dirty water every day, which leads to sickness and keeps communities from growing. Simple changes can make a lasting difference.
- Deep wells pull clean water from far below the ground. Hand pumps or solar-powered pumps make it easy to bring water to the surface. They also protect water from germs, dirt, and animal waste. Local training helps families fix and care for the pumps, so water keeps flowing year after year.
- Hipporoller is a simple invention that lets women and children wheel water from wells, rather than walk for miles carrying heavy buckets on their heads (which leads to headaches and weak bones). It’s also quicker, meaning children spend more time in school.
- Portable ceramic or sand filters block out bacteria and dirt. Small filters fit right on a jug or bucket, while larger ones can clean water for a school or whole village.
- Lifestraw is a personal water filter that needs no electricity, and purifies unsafe water. Some people say this should not be used to ‘make people drink dirty water’, but it’s quick and affordable to save lives, while people wait for others to build wells.
- Rainwater harvesting can capture rain through tanks, gutters and simple pipes, to make the most of each downpour. Stored rainwater helps during dry months, and basic filters or boiling can make it safe to drink. Natural springs can provide clean water, with proper covers.
- Piped water systems can carry water over hills or long distances. Taps in the village save time and effort. No need to walk for hours each day just to collect water.
- Clean toilets stop germs from spreading. Buy toilet paper from Who Gives a Crap? (made from recycled paper, 50% of profits help bring clean sanitation to communities abroad).
