Improving lives and reducing emissions through clean water filters
While Malawi is significantly rich in natural resources, the country is one of the poorest in the world, with around 4 million people lacking access to safe water. Many of these communities depend on burning wood that they collect from neighbouring forests, to purify the water they drink, inadvertently contributing towards deforestation.
benefited from reduced household fuel costs since the project start
provided with safe water, improving their health, since the project start
distributed, providing safe drinking water
mitigated on average annually
as firewood is no longer needed to boil water
Please note that the SDG metrics listed reflect the total impact of the umbrella project's activities and do not reflect the impact of each micro-scale project.
This project aims to improve the Malawian population’s access to safe water by distributing and installing more than 3,500 chlorine dispensers across rural areas. In addition to the distribution of the filters, the project educates the community about the dangers of contaminated water and how to use the dispenser to treat their water. A community member is elected to be the dispenser ‘promoter’, who encourages use of the dispenser, reports any problems, and refills the dispenser with chlorine as and when needed.
From a social perspective the project reduces water borne diseases, improves overall health and cuts the amount of time and money needed to collect firewood. From an environmental angle the project alleviates pressure on Malawi’s unique natural landscapes through reducing the burning of woody biomass to purify water. Due to the decreased burning of firewood, the project significantly cuts planet-warming emissions that contribute towards climate change.
