Water to Thrive

Water to Thrive (W2T) is a faith-based American nonprofit that funds the building of wells in eastern Africa and spreads awareness about the African water crisis. The organization was founded in April 2008 by Dick Moeller after his bible study, in Austin, Texas, learned about the Ethiopian water crisis from the organization A Glimmer of Hope and decided to raise $5,000 to fund a well.[1] Moeller's bible study ended up raising enough money for twelve wells. This overwhelming success inspired Moeller to establish Water to Thrive.[2] Since 2008, the organization has built over 750 wells, primarily in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania.[3]

Water to Thrive
MottoBuild Wells, Change Lives
FounderDick Moeller
TypeNon-governmental organization
Location
  • Austin, Texas
Region
Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania
Websitewww.watertothrive.org

Model

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.

References
  1. "Four Points businessman working to bring fresh water to Africa". Hill Country News. Retrieved 2017-06-28.
  2. "Our Story | Water to Thrive". www.watertothrive.org. Retrieved 2017-06-28.
  3. "Water to Thrive 2016 Progress Report". issuu. Retrieved 2017-06-28.
  4. "Water to Thrive - Aid for Africa". Aid for Africa. 2014-06-27. Retrieved 2017-06-28.
  5. "Water Timeline | Water to Thrive". www.watertothrive.org. Retrieved 2017-06-28.
  6. "A Well of Life | Austin Woman Magazine". www.austinwomanmagazine.com. Retrieved 2017-06-28.
  7. "Our Model | Water to Thrive". www.watertothrive.org. Retrieved 2017-06-28.
  8. "Events | Water to Thrive". www.watertothrive.org. Retrieved 2017-06-28.
  9. "Water Project Types | Water to Thrive". www.watertothrive.org. Retrieved 2017-06-28.
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