Clean Water Projects

The lack of access to clean water causes waterborne illnesses that kill more than 1.6 million young children each year, according to UNICEF. Now in its sixth year, Rotary's 'Safe Water Saves Lives, Solar Water Purifier' project has provided more than 200 solar water purifying units to poor communities in the Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and other developing areas. Because more than 1.1 billion people - nearly 20 percent of the world's population - lack access to safe, clean drinking water, it is a vital concern today.

Many of Rotary's water projects provide those in need with safe water close to their homes using simple, sustainable technology. This philosophy is reflected in Rotary projects of all sizes in all parts of the world. Rotary water projects have included the installation of wells in Haiti, the capture of monsoon rains in India, sanitation systems in Brazil, water management cooperatives in Kenya, coastal ecology restoration in the Philippines and educational programs on water and the environment in Belgium. The Trustees of The Rotary Foundation have made clean water one of three priorities for the Foundation's major Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H) Grants.

Locally, The Thomasville Rotary Club recognizes the importance of safe water issues and works to encourage others in the community to support clean water efforts. Each year Rotarians join with area Boy Scouts to participate in an annual Ochlocknee River clean-up project. This effort not only ensures the present-day cleanliness of the river, but emphasizes the importance of clean water projects to the future leaders of the community.