Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pure Water for the World a nonprofit?

Yes, Pure Water for the World, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are deductible under the 501c3 provision of the United States IRS code.

Our Tax-ID number is 03-0362954.

There are so many water organizations. What makes Pure Water for the World different?

  • Local staff. We are a boots-on-the-ground organization. 100% of our staff is native to the countries and communities in which they serve.
  • Community Focused. We are committed to empowering communities to own their water projects. Our local teams partner with community members, planning and initiating water projects collectively. Rather than serving individuals, we serve entire communities. Families work together, supporting one another.
  • Education. All community members are taught safe water, hygiene and sanitation practices. Additionally, Community Agents, volunteer community members, receive extended safe water and hygiene training that empowers them with the knowledge to support and maintain their communities’ safe water programs.
  • Follow Up Monitoring. Our local teams follow up and monitor each community to make any adjustments, measure effectiveness, and support sustainability.

How does Pure Water for the World select communities to be served?

Community selection includes a full assessment by the in-country PWW team, including:

  • Interest expressed by community members;
  • Acceptance of ownership by the community;
  • Source of water and type of distribution system.

Projects are most successful when community members actively participate every step of the way, from project launch, to training, to implementation, to follow-up monitoring and support.

How will my investment make a difference?

We serve rural and under served communities, where there are high incidences of waterborne diseases and a scarcity of government and NGO aid. We are community-focused, serving entire groups of families in a community rather than just one at a time. Your donation will support a community of families who will each receive:

  • Safe Water Tools. Biosand water filters, rainwater harvesting, and community water systems. When serving schools, appropriate school-based water filters/systems are installed, along with water sourcing solutions, as needed.
  • Sanitation Tools. If applicable, single-family latrines. When serving schools, gender-specific latrines and handwashing stations are built, as needed.
  • Education. Training for all community members, including safe water management, personal and menstrual hygiene, home hygiene and sanitation, environmental hygiene and water source protection. Additionally, we provide extensive training to volunteer Community Agents who support 3-5 families in their own communities with maintaining their safe water filters and using safe hygiene practices.
  • Follow Up. Your donation is a long-term investment. Through years of experience, we have found that long-term, regular monitoring and following up with families in communities leads to successful, continuous, and consistent use of safe water programs and practices.

How does Pure Water for the World share their expertise with others?

We are committed to sharing knowledge and expertise. To this end, our locally-based WASH Training and Consulting teams deliver WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) educational programs and services, throughout Haiti and Central America.

WASH educational programs train participants about the causes of waterborne diseases and how to prevent them in simple, sustainable ways. Programs extend to educators, government agencies, health officials, other NGOs, Rotary clubs, churches, and other local businesses. Trainees apply the practices within their organizations and among their communities, and the resulting health benefits are multiplied exponentially.

What are the contaminants found in the water these communities drink?

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. We focus on removing these biological contaminants that lead to medical conditions such as diarrhea, dysentery, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and typhoid fever

What methodology does Pure Water for the World primarily implement?

Based on extensive experience and third-party research, we primarily employ point-of-use, biosand water filtration systems for our implementation projects. We are currently using a filter designed by Dr. David Manz of the University of Calgary and made from plastic. In the developing world, this filtering method is very simple, requires little maintenance, and is very affordable and sustainable. We have installed thousands of filters in Central America and Haiti.

What is the cost of each unit?

We are not in the filter business. Depending on location, the cost for a comprehensive safe water solution for one family is $300-$450. This includes:

  • Biosand water filter body, sand diffuser plate, and cover
  • 2 buckets
  • Filter Installation
  • Water, sanitation, and hygiene education
  • Monitoring and follow-up
  • A parasite treatment for each household member
  • NOTE: An additional $250 funds latrine construction, as appropriate/needed.

How do you obtain basic data on community and health?

Community surveys, NGO field information, lab analyses of water, local health staff and statistics, 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:

  • Laboratory analysis and current purification efforts
  • Statistics concerning the incidence of diarrhea and other health effects due to current water source
  • Community’s capability to financially support maintenance of a water purification project

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 a trained local Community Agent will provide support. Community Agents can contact PWW team members, as needed.

For schools, orphanages and health clinics, at least two 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.

Do you have a question not answered here? Email it to info@purewaterfortheworld.org, and we’ll get back with you as soon as we are able.