FAQs
What filter system do you use?
The Sawyer filter is certified for ABSOLUTE microns, which means there is no pore size larger than 0.1 or 0.02 micron in size. This makes it impossible for harmful bacteria, protozoa, or cysts like E. coli, Giardia, Vibrio cholerae, and Salmonella typhi (which cause Cholera and Typhoid) to pass through the Sawyer PointONE™ biological filter. At 7 log (99.99999%) the filter attains the highest level of filtration available today. Sawyer filters are comprised of tiny “U” shaped micro-tubes that allow water to enter into their core through minuscule micro-pores. Contaminates get trapped in the tubes while the decontaminated water passes freely through. The high number of those tiny tubes and their significant surface area allows the filter to have one of the fastest flow rates available in the world. This high flow rate makes our filters easily utilized as point-of-use solutions, which has eliminated the need to store water – one of the leading causes of contaminated water throughout the world. You can find how this filter was made, and even see actual field studies here: https://sawyer.com/technology/water-filtration/
What is the life expectancy of each filter?
Extensive testing in the lab and the field has proven that each filter can provide up to one million gallons of water. To give you an idea of how much that is, the World Health Organization says that an average human being can use up to two gallons per day, for everything from drinking, cooking, washing dishes, clothes, etc. So it would outlive an average human being. The filter’s output of clean water is up to 200 gallons per day based on its flow rate. So for a community of 100 people, it can easily last a decade.
What does a $50 donation provide?
More than just a Filter! A $50 donation provides the distribution of one .1 Micron Absolute Filter, Bucket Adapter, Bucket Hole Cutter, Filter Cleaner, Adapter Hose and Filter Hanger. It also goes towards the cost of distribution and training along with field assessments.
Why are women being asked to lead a fundraising team?
Our mission is to inspire women who have access to clean water to get it to those who do not. This is not just a fundraising campaign, but a movement, bringing together our three pillars: Women, Water, and Wisdom. We believe there has never been a focused campaign for women to serve in this clearly defined way to provide clean water before, yet women ARE the original water bearers. In every nation, throughout history, it is the women and children who are responsible to gather and carry water for their communities. This is also a critical time that many indigenous cultures and spiritual texts have foretold a shift or re-emergence of feminine-led wisdom. The Waterbearers movement wants to provide women with tools and resources to remember our sacred song of the feminine and to support them to support each-other in redefining what Feminine Leadership looks like.
Can men join?
Absolutely! Even though most Teams are led by women – men, women, young adults, schools, organizations, corporations can all be involved in supporting each women-led team.
Where are the donations going?
Money raised funds our clean water initiatives around the world.
Can I mail a check instead of donating online?
Yes. Please make your check payable to The Waterbearers, 1601 N. Sepulveda Blvd., #212, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, United States. Be sure to include your address so we can mail you a receipt and a thank you.
If you would like your donation to go to a Team Leader or country where we work, please indicate the name in the memo of your check.
Can I make an anonymous donation?
YES! When you press the DONATE button you can make that choice.
Can I dedicate my donation to someone else?
YES! When you press the DONATE button you can make that choice.
Are there other ways to get involved with The Waterbearers?
Yes. You can get involved by starting a fundraising page or joining a team. You can also be a monthly supporter. We rely on public donations and fundraising is the backbone of our nonprofit.
Can I volunteer on any of the distribution trips?
Not at this time. We rely on local in-country partners and the communities to implement our program services. If you’d like to get involved, become a Waterbearer by fundraising or investing monthly in our programs and sharing our social media posts with friends. By supporting our efforts, you’ll be improving lives through clean water.
Why isn't The Waterbearers evaluated by Charity Navigator?
According to Charity Navigator’s Criteria and Methodology: Not currently scored
This organization cannot be evaluated by our Encompass Rating methodology because it files Form 990-EZ, as allowed by the IRS for charities with less than $200,000 annual revenue.
Note: The absence of a score does not indicate a positive or negative assessment, it only indicates that we have not yet evaluated this organization.