WorldWaterWorks & The Water Survival Box

World Water Works is dedicated to helping people escape the stranglehold of disease and poverty caused by disasters which destroy their homes and possessions and leave them without safe water and sanitation. 

RAPID RESPONSE TO DISASTER – THE PROBLEM

• Most disasters occur in poor countries where normal sources of clean water are destroyed and
  replacement solutions few and far between.
• The first priority for survival is generally access to water that is safe to drink
• Without water people can only survive for a few days
• If unclean water is used survivors are exposed to water-borne diseases such as cholera,
  dysentery, diarrhoea, and typhoid
• Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable

RAPID RESPONSE TO DISASTER – JOINED-UP SOLUTIONS

• Water-Survival Box was developed following the Boxing Day 2004 tsunami in the Indian
  Ocean in which more than 200,000 people died and several million were displaced
• The need for clean water is met by a water-filtration kit in which chlorine tablets remove more
  than 99% of harmful bacteria before water is drawn off through a carbon filter
• The carbon filter removes the chlorine taste and makes the water more palatable
• Standard boxes are packed with a range of essential survival items, whereas the Multi Pack
  contains several water purification kits
• Time is critical and therefore Water-Survival Boxes are sent by air so as to arrive within days of
  the request for help
• Each box contains the same range and number of items so that delay in transiting customs in
  the receiving country is minimised
• Boxes are consigned to partner aid agencies such as Red Cross, Oxfam, Merlin, Humanity First
  UK and Pompiers sans Frontieres (French Search and Rescue Group) who take responsibility
  for distribution to those families most in need
• Rotary Districts and Clubs in most receiving countries also assist in facilitating customs
  clearance and in providing transport and support to the aid agencies

RAPID RESPONSE TO DISASTER – THE FUTURE

• Central to the Water-Survival Box philosophy is the need for reliable and relevant feedback
  from the end-users and our partner aid agencies
• The box and its contents are kept under continual review so as to best meet the needs of
  survivors
• Non-consumable items are selected to last for at least six months when in daily use – more
  permanent solutions may not be available for many months after the disaster
• The filtration system comprises a more effective carbon filter and in-line hand pump which
  extends the life of the system up to 12 months
• Modification of the standard box contents has already been made to meet specific needs of
  families in war-torn areas and for those at risk of cholera and other water-borne epidemics
• Development of the WSB multi-pack – a stack of boxes filled only with water carriers and
  filtration kits (where other contents are not required)

RAPID RESPONSE TO DISASTER – WITH YOUR HELP

• The Water-Survival Box project is managed by Rotarians and other volunteers so that all
  donations can be applied directly to the cost of buying boxes, contents, and paying for the air
  freight.
• The bulk of our funding comes from Rotary Clubs
• The project is recognised as one of the RIBI (Rotary in Britain and Ireland) ‘Opportunities to
  Serve’ and publicised to all Rotary Clubs in the British Isles
• To maximise the amount of humanitarian aid that could be provided to families following
  disaster we aim to process some 2,000 boxes (total cost £300,000) during the next year
• The challenge to every Rotary Club in RIBI is to fund at least two boxes (£300) during each
  Rotary year
• Will we reach our target? With your help we can!