GWC Water Kiosk in India

India has 15% of the world’s population, but only 4% of the world’s water. The situation is made worse by the fact that much of the water that is available is not treated, particularly in rural areas. Roughly 21% of communicable diseases in India are waterborne (including cholera, diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis A, malaria and filaria), resulting in 3 million missed working days each year at a cost of $600 million.

The poor and those living in rural areas are primarily affected by India’s water problems. Naandi targets these populations, setting up kiosks in rural areas to sell clean water at such a low cost that even the poorest people can afford it.

Current status

Beginning with a single pilot project in 2005, Naandi has completed more than 300 kiosks in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Punjab with more under way in Rajasthan. The water kiosks serve nearly 400,000.

The Naandi Foundation's three-step strategy utilizes careful field research, a cutting-edge reverse osmosis purification technology, and financing that is repaid by community user fees. It invests in community-based safe drinking water systems through a "tripartite agreement" among the village council, technology provider, and the Foundation. First, a Naandi representative conducts an intensive education campaign about the risks untreated water and the benefits of a community-owned solution. Naandi also serves as a bridge between communities and the technology provider, Tata Projects Limited, which helps smooth the introduction of the technology into the village. Tata installs an advanced, low-maintenance reverse osmosis purification system that is suitable for Indian rural conditions. Naandi helps villages structure the initial financing and a repayment system. Community members purchase safe water for a small cost of .25 cents per liter. The community's 20 percent contribution increases ownership and improves accountability of services.

The Naandi Foundation is one of the largest and fastest growing social sector organizations in India. Founded in 1998, Naandi focuses on three areas: child rights, safe drinking water, and sustainable livelihoods.

The program goal is to increase access to clean, sustainable and affordable water for one Indian village.

Goals

• Provide one village with access to affordable, clean water
• Increase awareness about the importance of clean water

Naandi engages local communities to ensure the long-term sustainability of its water kiosks. Naandi starts by running an education campaign about the risks of drinking untreated water. Next, communities are asked to contribute a certain percentage to the initial financing of a kiosk, increasing locals’ interest in maintaining the facility. Lastly, Naandi works to ease the integration of the reverse-osmosis technology into the community.