THE PROBLEM WE SOLVE
Despite many African governments banning single-use plastics, plastic waste remains a significant challenge, especially in urban areas. A primary contributor to this issue is the lack of access to clean drinking water, which forces many people to purchase single-use plastic bottled water as their only source of safe drinking water.
For example, in Kenya, access to safe and clean drinking water is still a major challenge. As of 2024, an estimated 60% of the population had access to safe drinking water. However, 15 million people out of the growing population of 56 million had limited access to safe drinking water according to water.org. Additionally, 9.9 million people were drinking directly from contaminated surface water sources as reported by the Global Waters Organization. This means that 30% of the population relies on unimproved water sources, leading many to face the consequences of water-borne illnesses.
In Nigeria, only 70% of the population had access to clean drinking water, leaving around 60 million people without safe water sources. In Ethiopia, the situation was even more dire, with only 57% of the population having access to clean drinking water, meaning over 50 million people relied on unsafe water sources.
In contrast, countries like the United States had a much higher access rate, with 97.47% of the population having access to clean drinking water as of 2022.
OUR SOLUTION AND ITS BENEFITS
The Drinking Water Fountain Project promotes the use of tap water and reusable bottles, fostering cleaner, healthier and more sustainable communities. In partnership with local city or municipality councils, we install public drinking water fountains in busy urban centers such as sports arenas, city centers, recreational parks, schools, marketplaces and bus stations. These fountains provide free access to clean drinking water, encouraging both local residents and visitors to use reusable bottles as a sustainable and attractive alternative to single-use plastic water bottles.
KEY BENEFITS OF OUR INITIATIVES
ACCESS TO CLEAN AND SAFE DRINKING WATER IN URBAN AREAS
Water fountains in busy public areas provide easy access to clean, safe drinking water, addressing significant water challenges faced by many in Africa. These public areas serve as central points, allowing everyone to access water while running daily errands.
REDUCING PLASTIC WASTE AND PROMOTING A SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE
The lack of clean drinking water forces many to buy single-use plastic bottled water. Installing free water fountains reduces the need for single-use plastic bottles, decreasing environmental pollution. These fountains, along with reusable bottle distribution, offer a long-term solution.
WATER PRESERVATION, REDUCING WATER WASTAGE AND VANDAL RESISTANCE
ITF uses Join The Pipe’s auto-stop taps that ensure no water is wasted. These advanced taps tackle water wastage, unlike traditional taps, and are also vandal-resistant, further promoting water preservation.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
The initiative raises awareness about the environmental impact of plastic waste and promotes the use of reusable water bottles. Ensuring access to clean drinking water contributes to the overall health and well-being of the community.
OUR SOLUTION PROCESS
We set up public drinking water fountains in busy urban centers to provide free access to clean drinking water. Funded by donations, ITF uses these contributions to cover project setup and travel costs for youth volunteers from the USA to the benefiting country in Africa.
PROJECT PHASES
PROJECT IDENTIFICATION
LOCATION SELECTION
Projects are located in busy urban areas with reliable water pipelines. Local authorities must be involved for ongoing management.
REFERRAL AND EVALUATION
Locations are recommended by ITF management or volunteers. Site visits assess feasibility and water source reliability
MUNCIPAL PATERNSHIP
A project concept is developed and presented to local authorities for approval and partnership.
PROJECT FORMULATION, PLANNING AND FUNDRAISING
ONBOARDING
Volunteers and partners are recruited, screened and onboarded. They select projects from the ITF database.
PLANNING
Volunteers receive training and develop a SMART project plan, including fundraising strategies.
FUNDRAISING
Volunteers implement fundraising activities in the USA. Once 75% of the target is reached, preparations for travel and implementation begin.
TRAVEL AND FOUNTAIN SETUP
TRAVEL
INSTALLATION
Volunteers travel to the host country with ITF USA staff. The host office provides support upon arrival.
Refill stations, produced by Join the Pipe, are installed by ITF technicians. The process includes preparing a concrete base and connecting to the water supply.
QUALITY CHECK
The setup is inspected to ensure functionality and accessibility.
LAUNCH AND CLEANUP
RETURN AND REPOTING
POST-TRIP MONITORING
A public cleanup event is organized and reusable bottles are distributed to promote sustainability.
Volunteers complete project reports and participate in host office events before returning home.
Volunteers conduct follow-up evaluations 6 to 12 months after the project to document its impact.