Because Active:Water is specifically involved in building awareness, recruiting volunteers, and raising funds to respond to the international water crisis, our organization is focused on shaping individuals and groups into using their passions to become life-saving instruments for people living in poverty all over the world. To better serve both our participants and recipients of our funded water projects, we partner with leading organizations that have shown tremendous success over time in carrying out holistic, community-based approaches to clean water solutions, hygiene training, medical care, and improved sanitation projects.
The following information regarding providing clean water projects to Africa has been submitted by our partner, Blood:Water Mission, to answer your questions about the projects we are funding in Zambia.
What technologies do you use for providing safe water to communities?
In each community we strive to provide the best solution. The primary technologies we utilize are drilled wells, rain catchment systems, biosand filtration, and spring protection. Specifications for each of these systems depend greatly upon local conditions and availability of resources. Key factors of technology choice and specifications include durability, low maintenance cost, sustainability, and community impact.
How much does it cost to drill a well?
The costs of drilling wells vary significantly from region to region. Cost factors include local geology (including depth to water), location remoteness, and local cost of materials. Currently the cost range is $4,500 to $18,000. More than 50% of our projects are repairing broken wells which were poorly implemented; this is a very cost-effective solution ($750 to $1,500).
How much do other water technologies cost?
Biosand filters cost on average $80 per filter and serve approximately 15 people
Rain catchment systems cost $2,000-$7,000 and vary in number of people served (2-5 families or multiple tanks installed at schools)
Spring protection costs $1,500 - $13,000 and typically serves 750-1500 people
Can I request a specific location for a project such as a well?
We collaborate with local partners in Africa to design projects for communities in specific regions with the aim of long term sustainability and community transformation. Because of these commitments we are unable to meet specific requests. We encourage you to seek assistance from development groups or local government agencies in the specific region.
Can I go to Africa with Active:Water and/or Blood:Water?
Currently Blood:Water does not host trips to Africa. We collaborate with local organizations who are responsible for implementing programs in communities. While we send staff to support these organizations and assess completed work, we do not have the ability to bring guests with us. We recognize the importance of people going to Africa, but the demand on our time would greatly reduce the efficacy of our work. We highly encourage individuals to seek out opportunities with sending agencies such as NGO's and churches.
Where can I get more information and statistics on the water and HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa?
The following websites provide carefully researched information on water, hygiene, and sanitation and HIV/AIDs:
World Health Organization: Water and Sanitation
UNICEF: Water & Sanitation
United Nations: Water for Life Decade
World Health Organization: HIV/AIDS
United Nations: HIV/AIDS
UNICEF: HIV/AIDS
What is the average lifespan of a well?
Blood:Water is committed to sustainable community development. While minor parts may need to be replaced yearly, a well will last 15 - 20 years if maintained appropriately.
For more information, visit the official Blood:Water Mission website at bloodwatermission.com
*Photos provided by Pamela Crane, Barak Bruerd, and Victor Huckabee of BWM, with additional photos provided courtesy of Tam Faller.
