The Solution

Using solar energy to pump water that is trapped below the ground in the aquifers in places where there is drought and hunger. Our systems provide over 30,000 liters of clean water per day per village. Throughout the village, there is enough water for drinking, bathing and for families to grow their own food.

Relate Water provides FULL transparency through remote monitoring technology, and guarantees project maintenance and sustainability for 10 years. Together with our implementaion partners we hire and train locals to construct and maintain all parts of the solar water systems, and all villagers participate in upkeep and maintenance of these systems.

A Simple 8 Step Process: Once a village is identified based on need and available underground water stores- it takes only 3-4 months from start to finish

Step 1

Drill

We drill a well up to 250 meters (820 ft) in the ground to reach the aquifer.

Step 2

Build

We build the water tower up to 10 meters (32 ft) tall.

Step 3

Install Solar Panels & Solar Pump

We install solar panels on top of the water tower to capture the energy from the sun in order to power a pump.

Step 4

The Water Tank

We raise a 10,000 liter water tank to the top of the structure where groundwater is pumped and housed for distribution.

Step 5

Dig the Trenches

We dig trenches in a 4-8km radius (2.5 - 5 miles) around the village and install the pipes to distribute water to the taps. Community members are engaged in the construction alongside our contractors, helping foster ownership and accountability.

Step 6

Install Taps

With input from the community members, we construct 10-15 water distribution stations throughout the village.

Step 7

Monitoring

Our UN-awarded remote monitoring system is installed at each project, enabling our teams and donors to track the energy produced and water flow output, in real time. Alerts are triggered should a malfunction occur.

Step 8

Water Flows!

Community members turn on the taps and the village receives clean, safe drinking water for the first time! Up to 30,000 litres of clean water flows throughout the village, at anytime.

Step 1

Drill

We drill a well up to 250 meters (820 ft) in the ground to reach the aquifer.

Step 2

Build

We build the water tower up to 10 meters (32 ft) tall.

Step 3

Install Solar Panels & Solar Pump

We install solar panels on top of the water tower to capture the energy from the sun in order to power a pump.

Step 4

The Water Tank

We raise a 10,000 liter water tank to the top of the structure where groundwater is pumped and housed for distribution.

Step 5

Dig the Trenches

Step 6

Install Taps

With input from the community members, we construct 10-15 water distribution stations throughout the village.

Step 7

Monitoring

Step 8

Water Flows!

Community members turn on the taps and the village receives clean, safe drinking water for the first time! Up to 30,000 litres of clean water flows throughout the village, at anytime.

The Cost

The approximate cost for the installation and implementation of this process in a single village is US$85,000. While this might sound like a large sum of money (and indeed it is) the per capita cost for an average village is just US$25. And that is not for a week, or a month, or even a year of clean drinking water - it’s for LIFE - and for generations to come. Think of what you might give up so another human being could have the dignity and the opportunity of clean water. Your afternoon Starbucks for a week? 2 movie tickets? A yoga class or 2? One month of Netflix?