What is the need for water filtration in the developing world?

• Nearly 1 billion people worldwide have no access to safe drinking water.
• Unsafe drinking water is the biggest killer of children under the age of 5 – 1.8 million children die every year – that’s 5000 every day.
• 50% of hospital beds world-wide are taken up by those suffering from water-borne diseases.

We are committed to helping to meet this fundamental human need and have set an initial goal of donating 20,000 filtration systems by the end of 2030. Check out our LIVE TRACKER to see how we’re progressing towards meeting this goal.

How do our filtration systems find their way to people in need?

• Each filtration system is delivered by our charity partner Life Water. They are an amazing group of people who not only ensure that our filtration systems are delivered free of charge, but that they also hold a training event on day one where they teach each recipient family how to use their filtration system. They also identify them how to identify and fix any of the most common problems that might occur with their system.
• That means that each recipient doesn’t just get a fantastic new filtration system but they are even taught how to use it!
• We distribute two types of water filtration systems as part of this program. Emergency systems are compact and portable and have been designed specifically to enable emergency crews to respond quickly to natural disasters and prevent avoidable outbreaks of disease during such circumstances. Static systems are much larger and these are designed for household, school or health centre use. These are far less portable but are ideal for long-term use. Both emergency and static systems last for 2 years however emergency systems are a little less robust and can be damaged if they are not well cared for.
• During the distribution process we help the local community establish a committee which then overseas the use of all water systems and their maintenance. Having local people driving the process ensures a level of ownership and is a much more sustainable approach.
• Although the Water Works Program might donate one filtration system at a time, our charity partners only help one Village at a time. Essentially, they wait until we have donated at least 80 filtration units before they go into a specific village. That’s a really important aspect of the process as it ensures that the community can move forward together in the right spirit. There’s limited risk of jealousy or temptation and in every sense the overall impact of all donations is far greater because they are made together than if they were made individually.

Comparing the ROI of a CSR donation versus one our programs

• In today’s corporate landscape it’s critical that each business has a Corporate Social Responsibility strategy which often includes making donations to worthwhile causes.
• Not only does a well-considered CSR strategy help show that a company has a good social conscious to customers and shareholders, it’s also critical when attracting and retaining high performing staff.
• Our program is a form of CSR investment but it’s much more than just a donation.
• Our program ensures that each participant develops a stronger bond and emotional attachment with their company. Employees that wouldn’t normally look up the company’s CSR policy have no option but to be moved by this activity.
• In addition, the artworks that your staff make in our program are more than just mementos for them and decorations for their recipients. Each artwork includes a clear link to the 3billionstories.com website and a clear reference to the Tracking ID that relates to that artwork. Companies that hang these artworks in their lobbies or customer waiting rooms know that their customers have something truly inspiring to look up on their mobile phones while waiting.
• Investing in a Water Works Program is a great way to give your customers, stakeholders and employees frequent, subtle reminders about your company’s values and commitment to the community.
• Although most of our engagements are on the basis of one conference event at a time, if you and your organization are interested in a lasting relationship with the program this could also be accommodated.