Water to Thrive

Water to Thrive partners with in-country organizations to provide the most effective water project for each community.[4] After the partner organization prepares a proposal for funding and it is approved, a Water to Thrive well-building campaign is launched in the United States. Campaigns are sponsored by churches, schools, individuals, or any interested group. Their goal is to raise $5,000 to build one well. Once the well is funded, building begins and can take 18-24 months. Water to Thrive and well sponsors are sent regular progress and completion reports.[5] After a well is built, community members receive hygiene, sanitation, and well management and repair training. Water to Thrive also sends out teams from the United States multiple times a year to check on water projects.[6]

All proceeds of campaigns go directly to funding water projects. General donations go towards operational costs and program expansion.[7] Water to Thrive also raises money through Chef’s Table Austin, an annual gala event, and the Pump Run, the organization’s annual 5K race.[8]

Because each community’s needs are different, Water to Thrive funds four different kinds of water projects:[9]

1. Hand Dug Well: Used when water is near the surface. Wells are built by community members and can be 8 to 15 meters deep. A filtration system and hand pump are added so the community can access clean water.
2. Spring Protection Development: Used when a natural spring is easily accessible. To make the water clean, a protection and filtration system is built over the eye of the spring. It is then piped to distribution points throughout the community.
3. Shallow Borehole: Used when water is 20 to 50 meters below the surface. A rig drills down until water is found, then steel casing and a pump are inserted.
4. Deep Borehole: Used when water is 50 to 250 meters below the surface. A team drills down and the wells are fueled by diesel generators or a power grid. They can provide water to more than 15,000 people per year.