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Since 2008, we have worked with communities in Ghana and India to develop locally owned and managed Safe Water Stations.
Transforming Lives With Water
In India, we collaborate with leaders from both the public and private sectors to develop and implement a model that can achieve scale for the millions in need. We additionally partner with local communities and local governments (Panchayati Raj Institutions) in the states of Telangana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Our priority is to reach millions in need of safe water through the broad-scale replication of our model.
The Need
The 100 million people in India lacking access to safe water are faced with a number of challenges. Nearly 75% of India’s surface water is contaminated by human, animal, agricultural and industrial waste, and its groundwater often contains high levels of fluoride and other mineral contaminants. Water and sanitation-related illnesses account for 70-80% of the country’s disease. Water scarcity during periods of drought, lack of education, and the sheer number of people in extreme poverty adds to the complexity. Progress towards addressing these issues is hampered by poor execution and a lack of support at the local level. Many of India’s rural water systems fail because of issues surrounding source sustainability and water quality. Inadequate operational controls and maintenance programs result in communities that lack the skills to manage their water systems, further compounding the complexity of India's water issues.
Safe Water Network's iJal Brand
To increase and sustain demand for safe water, we created the iJal brand. iJal means “My Water” in Hindi and represents “a healthy tomorrow.” The iJal brand is now trusted in communities where our Safe Water Stations are located and is generating interest from surrounding villages. Today in India, all of our Safe Water Stations are branded with the iJal mark.
Our Progress in India
In collaboration with local, national and international partners, our India team is overseeing an iJal expansion program to demonstrate the potential for replication of our model at scale. Our expansion plans include cost-effective technical support and an affordable supply chain for clusters of iJal Stations located in geographic proximity.
2008
Began three-year project to install rainwater harvesting cisterns in 55 villages of Rajasthan.
2011
Launched Safe Water Station in Kureb (supported by the Pentair Foundation)
2014
We will add forty new systems to our existing base of forty sites. This phased expansion includes local technical services, training, consumer marketing and the additional support activities required to build household participation in sufficient numbers to generate adequate revenue to cover water station operating costs.
2015
The 2015 rollout will incorporate the learning of the prior year into a planned expansion of new sites. This learning involves a systemic approach to evaluating the existing systems. We will infuse ‘best practice’ across the new installed base and rectify underperforming sites. In addition, we will carefully monitor and evaluate the Water Services Entity to make sure it is cost-effectively meeting the needs of the systems it supports.
2016
Building on our 2015 progress, the 2016 rollout will incorporate further refinements in the model, as well as the adjustments required to run the Water Services Entity at the targeted cluster capacity level of 300 systems. New systems will be added in 2016.
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Expansions in India
Building off of our success in more than 50 communities, we are now expanding to reach more people and prove our model can be broadly replicated.
India's newest state, where over three million people lack access to safe water.
One of India’s poorest districts is in one of the country's wealthiest states.
The Taj Mahal is located here, yet many in Uttar Pradesh suffer from unsafe water.
A Team of Committed Experts
Our New Delhi-based team has a diverse cross-section of technical, financial, health and development expertise. We are focused on achieving local sustainability so communities can successfully own and manage their water systems for generations to come.
India Liaison Office
Safe Water Network is a Liaison Office of Safe Water Network, USA in India. Established in April, 2011, it liaises with and provides technical and supervisory support to agencies that deliver safe, affordable drinking water in India.
India Trust Office
Safe Water Network India is a non-profit Trust, registered in October, 2009 under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. It has requisite registrations under section 12A and 80G of Income Tax Act, 1961 to operate with tax exemptions. The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act allows it to receive grants from International donors.
- Trustee & Vice President, Knowledge and Partnerships
Safe Water Network India
Our Partners in India
The complexity of the global water crisis requires a sustained commitment from business, government, public health, academia and the nonprofit community. We are advancing innovative solutions through an open, collaborative approach that mobilizes global experts, thought leaders, field practitioners and funders.
Insights and Engagement in India
We are contributing to the sector’s existing knowledge base through evaluation of our field work and the analysis of the long-term impact of safe water on health and livelihoods. We are committed to fostering best practice and shared learning.
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April 19, 2021
