Providing clean water, coupled with heath and hygiene education, is perhaps the most preventative measure we can take in keeping our world from infectious disease. Every day, 6,000 people—most of them children—die from dirty water. It's a staggering statistic when we consider how vital clean water is to our daily existence. That's why Samaritan's Purse works to provide a thirsty world with clean water. Whether it's drilling freshwater wells in Bolivia's highlands or teaching health and hygiene education in a Honduras slum, all of these efforts aim to point people to the "living water" found in Jesus Christ.
Samaritan’s Purse engages a multifaceted approach by providing, purifying, and protecting water.
Freshwater Wells
Whether using a drill or a shovel, depending on the region, Samaritan’s Purse digs until reaching the water table. After the water table is accessed, piping attached to a pump is installed and concrete is poured to provide a sanitary seal, keeping the water from outside contamination.
Well Rehabilitation
In densely populated areas, Samaritan's Purse works with communities to rehabilitate hand-dug wells and boreholes. After a project is completed, we then offer maintenance training to community members who will assume responsibility for upkeep.
Water Treatment Packets
The powdered mixture contained in each packet removes harmful microorganisms and suspended matter, making water clean and eliminating waterborne disease. These packets are often used when large populations have been displaced and have immediate water needs.
Household Filters
These concrete filters use various consistencies of sand to purify water gathered from streams, lakes, or ponds. Users take the murky, polluted liquid and transform it into clean drinking water. These easy-to-maintain filters require no chemicals or electricity—just a natural process that removes harmful microorganisms and pollutants. Watch video.
Community Filtration Systems
In emergency settings, unclean water is pumped through this device, which uses several filters and a small amount of chlorine to kill bacteria. One system can purify up to 10,000 gallons per day, enough to provide for the daily needs of 2,500 people.
Sanitation
Samaritan's Purse also offers health and hygiene education. Workshops focus on personal hygiene, hand washing with soap, food preparation, household sanitation, and proper waste disposal.
Latrine Construction
Properly built latrines greatly reduce the spread of waterborne disease and prevent diarrhea, one of the leading causes of death among children.
Water Protection
Capping natural springs and protecting rainwater catchments ensures that a community will have a consistent source of clean water.