DuPont and Water.org are partnering to increase global access to safe water, with a focus on communities most vulnerable to the consequences of water scarcity. The organizations intend to collaborate on ways to innovate and deploy climate-resilient, sustainable water offerings that can scale to people living in poverty.
"This partnership is based in the shared belief that solving the water crisis is possible within our lifetimes," says Gary White, co-founder of Water.org. "Our team looks forward to working with DuPont to uncover new opportunities to leverage technology to empower people in need with the water and sanitation solutions they need to survive and thrive."
As a start, DuPont awarded Water.org an initial grant to provide 100,000 people with one year of access to safe water or improved sanitation in areas facing water scarcity and climate challenges in the countries where Water.org works. This includes India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Cambodia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mexico, Brazil and Peru. The funding supports Water.org's offering, WaterCredit, which reportedly breaks down the financial barriers between people living in poverty and access to safe water and sanitation.
"Around the world, we are witnessing the impacts of climate change through the lens of water—with those living in poverty most vulnerable to the growing threats of water scarcity caused by global warming," says HP Nanda, global vice president, DuPont Water Solutions. "We believe the pending water crisis can be avoided, and water can become abundant, affordable and accessible to everyone—no matter where they live. It's through partnerships with highly impactful and creative organizations like Water.org that this vision becomes a reality."
Today, one in 10 people around the world — 771 million people — lack access to safe drinking water, according to DuPont. United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 6 urges nations to ensure that water is clean, accessible, reused, recycled and protected, and that sanitation and wastewater treatment efforts are significantly expanded.
"Reliable access to safe water is a game-changer for those who spend hours walking miles each day retrieving unsafe water for basic needs. It allows young children to attend school, families to create wealth, and improves health and well-being overall," says Kimberly Kupiecki, sustainability leader for DuPont Water Solutions. "SDG No. 6—while itself a critically fundamental goal for human prosperity—is essentially interconnected with almost every other goal for sustainable development."
For more information, visit: www.water.org
