On April 27, Xylem hosted the 2013 Annual China Junior Water Technology Competition. Three students from Shanghai Nan Yang Model High School were announced as winners for their “Blue-Green Algae Elimination Float Boat” project.
It’s 11 p.m. on a Thursday night and a full moon shines down on two large buses crammed full of what might pass for exhausted tourists waiting outside a nondescript chain link fence. The cries of children and babies can be heard above the idling engines.
The United Nations estimates that the global vulnerability to disasters is growing faster than the world’s capacity to strengthen resilience. As disasters are predicted to increase, it will be even more critical to address crucial water needs during a disaster. Xylem Watermark and Mercy Corps have partnered to establish and support disaster risk reduction (DRR) and disaster relief projects – helping communities before and after a disaster strikes.
The global water crisis is very complex. Solutions require a multi-faceted approach, including not only infrastructure, but also sanitation facilities, hygiene education programs and sustainable water resources. Xylem Watermark and Water For People partner to ensure we are addressing these challenges.
Since 2009, Xylem and Planet Water Foundation (Planet Water) have been working to address the global water crisis in Asia through community-based solutions, including water filtration systems, educational curricula and programs on water health and hygiene for disadvantaged communities. Together, we have reached 16,000 people, and more than 130 Xylem employee volunteers have joined Planet Water in the field.
Xylem employees around the world are excited to celebrate World Water Day this week, particularly with the United Nations designating 2013 the International Year of Water Cooperation. From the mountains of Peru to the wetlands of India and the shores of Brazil, Xylem Watermark and our nonprofit partners live this commitment every day and believe collaboration is key to solving global water challenges.
Tajikistan – In Tajikistan, the inevitable mudslides and seasonal flooding limit access to safe drinking water and increase the incidence of waterborne disease. Mery Corps’ and Xylem Watermark’s DRRI-Water project in Tajikistan increased community access to safe drinking water through cost-effective solar disinfection (SODIS) strategies and by harnessing women, youth, and children as water safety educators and catalysts for behavior change.
Agadez, Niger – On September 1 and 2, 2009, torrential rains in the northern region of Agadez, Niger, led to a rapid rise of river waters that surpassed the capacity of the dikes in Alercès. This resulted in a flash flood damaging fields and water energy dissipaters, which were later remarked to be inappropriately constructed and ineffective in slowing or containing water flow.
West Sumatra, Indonesia – Indonesia’s capital city, Padang, is one of the world’s most vulnerable cities to seismic activity. Situated on a highly active fault line, it is the same fault line that triggered the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Living under such hazardous conditions – with the threat of disaster always looming – it would be easy for the local population to adopt a fatalistic view that nothing they do can prevent disaster. This could not be further from the truth.
Vallecito, Honduras – The parents of the Francisco Morazán School en Vallecito, Honduras, with the Help of Water For People-Honduras as part of the “My Healthy School” SWASH+ program, are ensuring better hygiene conditions for the students and teachers of this school.
