Who is working on solutions?

As with Poverty issues last week, I wanted to provide links to some of my favorite organizations that are working on WASH Issues.  By no means do I think this list is comprehensive, but these are places with a good reputation - as far as I know.

Rotary International
 "Rotary recognizes the importance of clean water, adequate sanitation and hygiene and has named Water and Sanitation as one of the organization’s six Areas of Focus. Through its network of 33,000 service clubs, Rotary encourages its clubs and districts to support efforts which help people to provide themselves with improved access to water and sanitation. This policy is reflected in Rotary projects of all sizes in all parts of the world."

Rotary has funded hundreds of Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation projects around the world.  They partner with agencies and local groups to enact these projects in a culturally appropriate manner and usually come with significant financial resources.

Charity.Water
I have 'suggested' you watch dozens of short video clips from these folks over the life of my blog.  They are one of the most well known water agencies providing wells and water catchments to thousands.  There website is very user-friendly if you want something accessible as a resource.

Water for People
"Water For People works to build a world where all people have access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and where no one suffers or dies from a water- or sanitation-related disease. This is our vision.
We’re on a mission. We work with people and partners to develop innovative and long-lasting solutions to the water, sanitation, and hygiene problems in the developing world. We strive to continually improve, to experiment with promising new ideas, and to leverage resources to multiply our impact."

These folks are a smaller, water focused organization.  Again, a great resource.


Engineers without Borders
"Our vision is a world in which the communities we serve have the capacity to sustainably meet their basic human needs, and that our members have enriched global perspectives through the innovative professional educational opportunities that the EWB-USA program provides."

These folks are largely dedicated, skilled volunteers fundraising and putting their talents to use to improve the life of many individuals.  Many of their projects are water related.  While each chapter on each college campus is somewhat independent, they seem to be doing great work in a culturally appropriate way.  And, yes, the link is for Oregon State's EWB group, because I am familiar with their work and enjoy shamelessly plugging groups I think are awesome/to which my brother belongs :)

Mercy Corps
"Water is the source of life — but when it's not properly managed, can breed disease, create conflict and destroy communities. Mercy Corps works to provide access to clean water around the world, whether it's bringing relief during droughts or rebuilding wells in remote villages. We also help people learn proper sanitation, improve distribution and irrigation, and strengthen communities against flooding."

I have had a number of opportunities to learn about MC water projects and am impressed.  One that I particularly appreciate is in Yemen.  There MC provides vouchers to families so they can 'purchase' water from the local vendors.  The beauty of this, in my opinion, is that it keeps the money in the local economy.  Mercy Corps pays the vendors for this relationship.