Close, Clean Water

The vast majority of the 100,000 people who call La Gonave home have no access to clean water. Wells from days gone by are broken, and most of surface spring water sources are contaminated with disease-causing microorganisms. Many, if not most, people on La Gonave must walk miles to get their water, and the water they bring back to their families is usually contaminated.

In a land where diarrheal illness from contaminated water is the primary cause of death, providing clean water is key and urgent. Great time and energy is expended just in retrieving water, cutting severely into the time that could be spent in attending school, tending to crops, or even running a small business.

Our vision: Close access to clean water for every person on La Gonave by 2020.

What is needed...

• $115 will place a biosand water filter in a familyʼs home, providing enough safe, good tasting water for up to ten people. These filters remove all bacteria and parasites from bad water, making it safe to drink. These basic and durable filters last 10 years with very little maintenance.
• $1,500 can place a solar-powered, intermediate-volume ultraviolet water purification system in a place of public access, like a medical clinic or school.
• $18,000 will drill a village well, bringing water to thousands of people who currently are walking miles every day to fetch one 5 gallon bucket of tainted water back to their homes.

Thank you for your part in bringing close, clean water to those who need it.