Clean drinking water was not only a focus point on March 22nd – World Water Day. In collaboration with Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) and cotton company MMP Agro, the GoodTextiles Foundation (founded by Dibella in 2016) is implementing a project that aims to improve the drinking water supply in Uganda, Africa.
According to GoodTextiles, bio-sand water filters are very effective at purifying water and removing bacteria and contaminants. They make water drinkable without having to boil it. Firewood and charcoal are not always available, besides the need for firewood is destroying local forests. The filters can purify up to 20 litres of water per hour, providing safe, clean water for entire households. The Bio Sand Water Filter is a construction filled with layers of sand and gravel that slowly purifies the water. It is made from locally available materials that are not damaging thumans or the environment.
The lifespan of the organic sand filters is at least 15 years and thus provides a long-term solution for households. MMP Agro will train farmers and carpenters in the community to build the bio-sand water filters themselves, in order to ensure that new filters can be realised again after the 15-year lifespan. Apart from that, additional filters can be built for others in and outside the community.
