The Problem:
Thousands of villages do not have easy access to clean water...
According to Wikipedia, water pollution is a major environmental issue in India. The largest source of water pollution in India is from untreated sewage. Other sources of pollution include agricultural runoff and unregulated small scale industry. Most rivers, lakes and surface water in India are polluted.
A 2007 study found that discharge of untreated sewage is the single most important source of pollution of surface and ground water in India. There is a large gap between generation and treatment of domestic waste water in India. The problem is not only that India lacks sufficient treatment capacity but also that the sewage treatment plants that exist often do not operate and are not maintained.
If that weren't enough, girls (starting at the age of 8 years old) have the daily duty of walking several miles to get water for their families, sometimes three or four times a day.
The Solution:
We're not just giving water - We're giving everything else that water brings.
For the Well-being of the Villages
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Clean water enables the villagers to be more fruitful in their regular activities.
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The well installation provides clean water to those that go to the water wells.
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Since trusted village leaders own the well, it provides loving outreach to the village, because the people come for water every day.
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By placing wells on the property of trusted village leaders, it promotes open, equal and free access to drinking water for all people in a safe and protected location.
Additional Benefits for the Villages
The well also provides clean water which drastically reduces water-borne diseases, especially for the most vulnerable.
Water develops a sense of community in the village, where it never before existed or could exist.
The well eliminates the need for girls (starting at age 8) to devote most of their waking hours to carrying water long distances. This new freedom affords girls the opportunity to attend school and receive an education (thus building a more productive life).
Clean water can make a difference. For example:
- Start a day care for young children
- Provide tutoring for school age children
- Develop skills training for villagers (sewing or tailoring, dairy farming, construction and more)
- Offer adult literacy training (the literacy rate among rural women is just 10%)
- Provide medical care (via on site clinics)
Water can even help the local population to develop Micro-credit loan programs (enabling women living in extreme poverty to begin a small business).
For You
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Making life-changing impact for thousands of people.
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Enjoying the comfort of seeing your hard-earned money being put to great use.
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Being part of the Fresh Water Friends® fund raising network of Teams around the world!
