Is Pure Water a nonprofit?
Yes, Pure Water is a nonprofit organization. All donations are deductible under the 501c3 provision of the United States IRS code.
Why are Pure Water for the World projects needed?
1.2 billion people in developing countries worldwide do not have access to safe drinking water. Each year, 25 million people die from diseases contracted from consuming contaminated water. It is estimated that roughly 80% of all diseases in the world are associated with contaminated water. In Central America and the Caribbean, these water borne diseases are the second leading cause of death in children under the age of five. In Honduras, 20% of those living in rural areas of the country do not have clean drinking water. In Haiti, 42% of the population lives without clean water. For those who do, only one-third of the water systems are rated in “A” condition.
Where are Pure Water for the World projects needed?
Pure Water is currently targeting Central America and the Caribbean, specifically Honduras and Haiti. The strategy of Pure Water is to target the underserved and/or rural, remote areas of a country. We identify communities, schools, health clinics or orphanages where there is a high incidence of waterborne diseases and where there are no anticipated water system improvements.
When are Pure Water for the World projects needed?
Now! Waterborne diseases lead to children spending less time in school, a poorer quality of life, and shorter life expectancies. Studies have proven that the lack of clean drinking water is the number one cause of poverty. The technology exists to provide clean water to everyone. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are in place to provide education and structure. The commitment is the only missing link in making the dream of Pure Water for the World a reality.
What are the contaminants in the water?
Contaminated water can contain microbiological, mineral, or chemical pollutants. Drinking water is most often contaminated by human and animal fecal waste. The microbiological contaminants are the most common cause of health problems and widespread diseases, and Pure Water focuses solely on removing the biological contaminants. These contaminants lead to medical conditions such as diarrhea, dysentery, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and typhoid fever. The World Health Organization (WHO) uses coliform bacteria levels as an indicator of microbiological contamination. WHO defines clean water for small communities without central water distribution as water with coliform bacteria counts below 10 parts per 100rnL. Persistent failure to reach this standard, especially with the presence of E coli, indicates that the water is unacceptable for human consumption.
What methodology does Pure Water primarily implement?
Pure Water’s field efforts include several different water treatment methods – intermittent slow sand filtration, solar pasteurization and membrane technology. Those experiences, plus research work completed by the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College, have led Pure Water to promote primarily slow sand filtration in our projects. We are currently using a filter designed by Dr. David Manz of the University of Calgary and made from either concrete or plastic. This In the developing world, this filtering method is very simple, requires little maintenance, is very affordable and sustainable. Pure Water has installed thousands of filters in Central America and the Caribbean.
What is the cost of each unit?
We are not in the filter business. It costs $150 for Pure Water’s package of services that includes:
How is a community or school selected?
Pure Water selects a community by using the following criteria:
Pure Water selects a school in Haiti by using the following criteria:
Projects are typically most successful when community organizations act as a distribution and support center for pure water. School officials, health officials and community leadership are all essential ingredients for a successful project.
How do you obtain basic data on community and health?
Community surveys, NGO field information, lab analyses of water, local health staff and statistics, or school system records of attendance and health are all useful ways to collect basic data about a community and its health issues.
What community and health data is useful and necessary?
Information about the community’s current water sources and distribution system is necessary. The needs of the community must be determined prior to the beginning of any project. Other necessary components are:
Who trains the community?
This depends on the system chosen, but generally the product supplier or people experienced through prior projects provide the training. The supporting NGO or Health Ministry provides some monitoring of system and community training and sanitation education. That is why it is necessary to build relationships with local officials. We also provide workshops to train the local leaders and potential consumers. In Haiti, we have created a training program for teachers and principals.
Who is responsible for the water purification system once it is installed?
The family that resides in the home where a filter has been installed is responsible for proper use of the filter. If there are problems, then the local water committee will retrain the user on the proper use. The local health official, who maintains health data, also reports incidents of water borne diseases to the head of the local committee and to the user. Once the family is drinking clean water regularly, do certain health conditions exist? Yes, although they are drinking clean water, if there were parasites, then those intestinal parasites will continue to thrive. Part of Pure Water’s program is to give each member of the household parasite treatments.
For schools, orphanages and health clinics, at least 2 staff members from each location attend hygiene education and filter maintenance training. They are then responsible for ensuring that proper hygiene practices are followed and that the filters are functioning properly.
