Clean Water Charity
When researching which clean water charity to support, consider the following questions:
Consider the overall mission and purpose of the charitable organization. Research their philosophy regarding benevolence and consider if it matches or blends with your own philosophies. Some clean water organizations focus solely on drilling water wells, while others consider water only one aspect of their charitable mission.
Discover where the clean water charity works. Some water organizations work only in Africa. Others focus on Asia or other areas where clean water is also in short supply. Research where the ministry works and the needs of those countries.
There are various philosophies regarding well drilling. Some charities that provide clean water use locals to drill the wells. This stimulates the economy in these areas and supports local business owners. Other charities bring in water drilling equipment and complete the drilling themselves.
It is important to evaluate how deep the wells are drilled. For example, some charities dig wells just deep enough to get water. Others dig deep enough so that water is still available in the dry seasons and during drought.
There are various philosophies among clean water charities regarding this issue. Some organizations dig the well and leave. Others organize locals to maintain the well and have control over the repairs.
Research whether the organization repairs the well when major repairs are needed. Ask also who pays for the repairs.
Nonprofit water organizations should be able to tell you how long an average well lasts.
Ask if the well water charity has other resources to meet the needs of those in poverty or if they primarily focus on water accessibility.
Study the numbers and statistics. Discover the impact and read testimonials from locals on how their lives were impacted by the organization.
Let’s discover GFA’s answers to the above discovery questions:
“GFA’s mission is to be devout followers of Christ and to live lives fully pleasing to Him. God has given us a special love for the people of Asia and Africa, and it is our desire to minister to them and help them through ministries like education, health and practical gifts, or through the spiritual transformation of peaceful hearts, restored relationships and mended lives. We do this all in community and in partnership with the global Body of Christ.”
GFA has worked in Asia since 1979, providing various resources, including clean water wells and BioSand water filters. Recently, GFA has started working in Africa as well, and hopes to begin providing water wells to the neediest of people on the continent soon.
GFA hires local contractors to drill wells. The same contractor will often be hired to drill a large number of wells, so he will give a lower price per well. Since we use local contractors in, we are able to benefit from their lower costs of doing business. Using a local contractor also supports the local economy.
GFA wells are dug at least 300 meters or double that if needed. This is essential because it ensures water is available year-round, even during the driest summers. So, even when droughts come, water is still accessible.
Each well dug by GFA and their partners becomes a ministry of a local church. The pastor is commissioned to oversee the well’s maintenance. The church takes responsibility for everything, including lubricating the hand pump, replacing parts, and trimming the grass around the well.
Unfortunately, disasters happen. Whether the well is damaged by an earthquake, flood or other disaster, GFA will pay for the needed repairs.
GFA often uses the India Mark II model of handpump. This handpump is heavy-duty and very durable. In fact, it was designed through joint efforts of several world service organizations. The pump is intended to operate 20 million cycles before needing repair. That means the average pump lasts approximately 20 years when it is used eight hours a day.
GFA is committed to working in the poorest areas of Asia and Africa. They support the areas in various ways:
1) Sponsoring national missionaries who are constantly assessing needs in the communities they serve to provide solutions that help poor families overcome impoverishment.
2) Sponsoring children, offering them things like food, medical checkups, educational opportunities, and other community development initiatives.
3) Developing communities by providing clean water, income-producing farm animals, and vocational training.
4) Disaster relief and compassionate care for those who are often rejected by society.
Over two decades, the results have been phenomenal. Through partnerships worldwide, GFA has been a part of seeing more than 30,000 wells drilled.
GFA can provide safe, clean drinking water to approximately 300 people per day for at least 10 years at an average cost of $1400 per well, which means $30 can supply clean water for a decade for an entire family of six!
