Water Mission

Co-founder George Greene

13-year-old student from Malawi now has access to safe water thanks to Water Mission.

Water Mission is a non-profit, Christian engineering organization based in Charleston, South Carolina, United States, dedicated to developing and implementing technology-based solutions to provide access to safe water and sanitation in developing countries and disaster areas. Founded in 2001 by George and Molly Greene III, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, Water Mission aims to address the global water crisis, which affects billions of people worldwide, by providing sustainable safe water solutions.

History

Water Mission was established after its founders, George and Molly Greene III, were moved by the urgent need for clean water in Honduras following Hurricane Mitch. As owners of an environmental engineering company, they utilized their expertise to design and implement a safe water system, which led to the creation of Water Mission. Since its inception, the organization has expanded its reach globally, working in more than 55 countries.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Water Mission is to honor God by developing, implementing, and sharing best-in-class safe water solutions that transform as many lives as possible, as quickly as possible. Its vision is a world where everyone has access to safe water and an opportunity to experience God's love.

Approach

Water Mission employs a comprehensive approach to tackle the water crisis, focusing on sustainable solutions that go beyond just providing access to safe water. Their strategy includes:

• Community Development: Engaging with communities to ensure ownership and sustainability of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects.
• Innovation and Technology: Utilizing innovative technology and engineering solutions, such as solar-powered water pumping and filtration systems, to provide access to safe water.
• Disaster Response: Offering immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts in the aftermath of natural disasters and humanitarian crises, ensuring affected populations have access to safe water.
• Advocacy and Education: Raising awareness about the global water crisis and promoting sustainable practices within communities and among stakeholders.

Projects and Impact

Water Mission has implemented thousands of projects worldwide, significantly impacting the lives of millions of people by providing them with access to safe water and sanitation. Their projects range from community-managed safe water solutions to disaster response initiatives. Each project is tailored to meet the specific needs of the community it serves, ensuring long-term sustainability and community ownership.

Partnerships

The organization collaborates with a wide range of partners, including local governments, other non-profits, businesses, churches, and individuals, to maximize its impact. These partnerships are crucial for scaling solutions and leveraging resources to address the water crisis more effectively.

Recognition

Water Mission has received numerous awards and recognitions for its innovative solutions and commitment to excellence in providing safe water. These accolades reflect the organization's effectiveness in addressing one of the most pressing global challenges.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its significant achievements, Water Mission faces ongoing challenges, such as the increasing severity of the global water crisis due to population growth, climate change, and pollution. The organization continues to innovate and expand its programs to meet these challenges, with a focus on sustainability, community involvement, and leveraging new technologies.