PERREAULT Magazine November 2014 | Page 46

Now that we have covered the primary steps, the physical work begins. The building materials are transported and workers remove the soil with shovels and install the water pump system. If geological assessments prove correct, the entire process would last only a day. Most often, it only takes 60 meters into ground before finding the water and placing the pump system, covering it with cement and then surrounding the well with a wall. Many areas already have a source of water right below the ground; they just don’t have the means to bring the water to an access point above the ground. The community members will pay a usage fee to cover the cost of regular upkeep. During the following couple of months, the International Programs (IP) manager that has been working with the partner and community pays regular site visits to ensure that proper procedures have been followed and that people are content with the condition of the water well. Lastly, during the next five years, local partners and Water.org IP managers visit older water projects to verify how well they are functioning and to assess how access to safe water is affecting a given community.

Through WaterCredit, over 1.5 million people have been served with water and sanitation improvements. Water.org has invested $9.7 million in partner microfinance subsidies that has leveraged 70 million in commercial and social capital financing for water and sanitation leans. These loans are being repaid 99% of the time, and 91% of the borrowers are women. WaterCredit can benefit people who are earning less than $1.25 a day.

One of the biggest ongoing challenges is how to get more people involved in this humanitarian endeavor. People can donate their money, start a fundraiser or buy an e-card in someone’s name to provide a community with clean water.

For every CamelBak Groove Water Bottle that you buy on Water.org, $10 will support the Water.org’s efforts to bring clean water to those in desperate need.

The CamelBak Groove bottle is 100% BPA-free, holds 20 oz, is dishwasher safe, and features the patented CamelBak Big Bite Valve.

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Perreault Magazine - 46 -

Safe water and the dignity of a toilet for all

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CAMELBAK GROOVE WATER BOTTLE FOR $35.00 AND $10.00 WILL HELP SUPPORT WATER.ORG

Img Source: Water.org

Cover Img: Water.org

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