General
What is Lifewater’s legal status?
What is “WASH”?
How much does a well cost?
Whom should I contact if I’m having problems with the website or the phone?
Fighting poverty
through safe water
Fighting poverty
through safe water
through safe water
Home » FAQs
FAQs
WASH Technology (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)
I know of a village that needs safe water. How do I get started helping them?
We want to drill a well in a specific place and have raised money to buy equipment - What kind of drill rig do you recommend?
What kind of drill rig does Lifewater use?
Have you ever thought of using a ____?
Training
What kind of training is available?
When/Where/How Much are your trainings?
Can I get trained in one of your program areas?
Can my organization get training?
Can I get training overseas?
Volunteering
Can I send a team from my school/church/company overseas with you to drill a well?
Can I volunteer to go and help overseas?
Can I volunteer from overseas?
Can I volunteer in the U.S.?
Partners, Strategy, our Work Overseas
Can you drill a well here?
Does Lifewater only do water and water-related development work?
I know a great possible in-country partner for you! How do I make the connection?
My organization in North America would like to partner with Lifewater. How do I make the connection?
How does Lifewater communicate the Gospel and share God’s love?
Financial
What is Lifewater’s overhead (administrative costs)?
Where does Lifewater get its funding?
What is Lifewater’s designation policy?
Can I give a gift of something other than cash?
General Lifewater International Questions
What is Lifewater’s legal status?
Lifewater, Inc. (Lifewater International) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in California, USA. Your donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Our Tax ID# is 95-3987142.
What is “WASH"?
“WASH” is an industry-standard acronym for water, sanitation, and hygiene. WASH represents the essential components of sustainable water development. Safe water, adequate sanitation, and effective hygiene practices are all necessary for accessing, using, and maintaining safe water that contributes to long-term physical health.
How much does a well cost?
Cost per well depends on several factors, including geology, depth, and location. Lifewater has estimated that the average cost of bringing a shallow well with a hand pump to a community, together with hygiene training, is generally about $5,000. All new wells are part of more comprehensive projects that Lifewater plans with its in-country partners. If you are interested in supporting the installation of a well, please do not hesitate to contact us for more details.
Whom should I contact if I’m having problems with the website or Lifewater’s phones?
Please send us an email at info@lifewater.org or call our office at 805.541.6634 or toll free at 888.LIFE.H2O (543.3426). You can also communicate with us by mail at PO Box 3131, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403. (Our street address is 3563 Empleo St., Suite C, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.)
Check out our Technical Library for the most thorough information. If you have a question that remains unanswered, write us at info@lifewater.org.
I know of a village that needs safe water. How do I get started helping them?
There are many good water development strategies, but an appropriate solution for one area may not be suitable for another area. The best way to learn about the options is to read the “Water for the World Technical Notes” on Lifewater’s Technical Library. These articles, which were written by the USAID in the early 1980s, are one of the best guides to rural water development that can be found.
We want to drill a well in a specific place and have raised money to buy equipment - What kind of drill rig do you recommend?
You must match the capabilities of the drill rig to the geology of the location where you plan to drill. Before purchasing equipment, you must know what geological conditions you will encounter. As a minimum, you need to know the depth at which groundwater is found and whether it occurs in sedimentary aquifers or in fractured rock.
The type of drill rig that is suitable for the geology of the area will determine the level of expertise that is required to operate it. Small rigs that can drill to 100 meters in soft sediments are relatively easy to operate. Even so, complex conditions can be encountered that, if not handled properly, can result in lost or damaged equipment. Drilling in rock can require large rigs, the operation of which may take years to master.
If you are looking to provide just one or two wells, then the best approach is to hire a local geologist to do a survey of groundwater potential in the area of your interest. Most national universities have a geology department, and every government has an agency responsible for natural resources. Those geologists, most of whom are very competent, typically supplement their income with consulting work. A reliable geological site assessment in Africa can be obtained for much less than $1,000. A geophysical investigation that requires special instruments and data interpretation may cost more than $1,000.
Then, if the geologist’s report is favorable, hire a local well driller to construct your well. The geologist can usually recommend a reputable well driller. Doing this homework as early as possible in your project planning – before you raise funds for a well – will save a lot of grief in the long run. It can be very discouraging to raise $10,000 for two wells and then discover that the going rate in your area is $35,000 for one well.
If you have a larger vision for water development, one that includes purchasing a drill rig and learning how to use it, then our advice again is to first hire a local geologist. That is especially important before you raise money for your project. It is essential to match the capabilities of the drill rig to the geology of the region where you will be drilling. If the area is all hard rock, then buying a $20,000 drill rig is simply throwing money away because rigs that can adequately drill in rock start (used) in the $50K range and go up to $500K or more. And the skill required to operate that kind of equipment is not easily gained.
The drill rigs that Lifewater trains our partners on can only drill through unconsolidated sediments to a depth of 200 feet. There are many places on earth where those conditions are met, but there are also many places where they are not. Once you know what kind of geology you have to deal with, then you can start considering suitable drill rigs and get an idea what a realistic budget might look like.
What kind of drill rig does Lifewater use?
Lifewater’s training philosophy is to “do the easy ones first.” Therefore, we typically provide our partners with a small drill rig manufactured by Little Beaver, Inc. called the LS200. It can only drill through unconsolidated sediments to a depth of 200 feet. (The LS100 has a 100-foot depth limit.) Lifewater helped design these rigs, but we do not sell them or have any financial interest in them. Purchase information can be obtained by calling Little Beaver in Livingston, Texas, at (800) 227-7515.
After a Lifewater partner has gained experience with one of these small rigs, and if the region where they work includes areas with more difficult geology, then we may help them obtain a rig with greater capabilities. The brand of equipment is important, but that is secondary to the need to match the rig to the geology.
Have you ever thought of using a ____?
We are constantly researching new technology to help people get safe water. We are specifically interested in devices that are effective, portable, easy to maintain and/or have readily accessible and inexpensive replacement parts, culturally appropriate, adaptable, environmentally sustainable, and have the possibility for use in small business models. Contact us if you have an idea you think might work.
What kind of training is available?
We conduct training courses in all of our program areas: Shallow Well Drilling, Hand Pump Repair, Biosand Filtration, Sanitation: Latrine Design and Construction, WASH Promotion,WASH in Schools, Community Health Through Hygiene (three modules: Handwashing at Critical Times, Safe Fecal Disposal, Keeping Water Safe), and Principles of Effective Community Development (three modules: Exploring Transformational Mission, Transformational Community Development, Missional Community Development). See our Programs for details about each program.
When/Where/How Much are your trainings?
Please see our “Volunteer Internationally – Field Trainers” page under the “Get Involved” tab.
Can I get trained in one of your program areas?
Our training courses are available to a range of professionals and interested individuals. Priority is given to our volunteer field trainers since their training is necessary for our project work to continue. You do not need to be an expert or have had previous experience to participate in a training course. Some of the courses (well drilling, handpump repair, biosand filtration, latrine design & construction) will require a moderate amount of physical strength.
Can my organization get training?
Yes, we train other organizations, including churches. Please contact us at info@lifewater.org if you are interested.
Can I get training overseas?
If you are able to travel to an area where Lifewater is conducting a training course with one of our in-country partners, it may be possible for you to participate in the training. Please contact us at info@lifewater.org if you are interested.
Can I send a team from my school/church/company overseas with you to drill a well?
In the interests of sustainability and community ownership, we work primarily through our in-country partner organizations. We try not to give the impression to impoverished communities that North Americans are coming to give them safe water because we believe people are empowered through being a part of the solution, rather than receiving a gift. If you have a group of people interested in engaging in on-site, hands-on development work, please consider our field trainer program. It may be possible for your group to be trained together and even travel together to help teach our in-country partners and their local community members in well drilling or another program area.
Can I volunteer to go and help overseas?
Our volunteer field trainer program is the primary vehicle for working with us overseas. You can get more information and even start and application for the program from this website.
Can I volunteer from overseas?
Lifewater’s volunteer field trainer program is for those who are able to complete the application and training in North America. If you are interested in volunteering with one of our in-country partners, please send us your contact information at info@lifewater.org indicating which country you would like to connect with a partner organization. We will then pass this information onto our partner.
Can I volunteer in the U.S.?
We have opportunities to volunteer in our office on the central coast of California, and we are working on new ways for you to help from wherever you are as well. Volunteer applications and intern applications are available to download on this website. If you would like to volunteer to help us raise funds, check out the Get Involved tab.
Partners, Strategy, and Our Work Overseas Questions
Can you drill a well in a specific location around the world?
If you have a specific area (school, village, etc.) in mind that needs water, and it is located in a country in which Lifewater has current projects and in-country partners, we may be able to help. If our in-country partner has the capacity, resources, and time to help, they will. If they cannot, we may be able to suggest another organization that can help. Please contact us at info@lifewater.org if you are interested in helping a specific location get safe water. The more details you can provide, the quicker we will be able to assess the possibilities.
Does Lifewater only do water and water-related development work?
Currently we intentionally focus our efforts on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, and we do not engage in projects outside of this scope. We do, however, work with in-country partner organizations to build their internal capacity, and many of them also work on agricultural development, HIV/AIDS education, medical help, education, etc., in addition to their WASH programs.
I know a great possible in-country partner for you! How do I make the connection?
We are currently seeking new partnerships in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. If you would like to recommend a potential partner, please ask them to respond to the questions on our Partner Organizations webpage [http://www.lifewater.org/partners.aspx] and sending them to info@lifewater.org. Lifewater is specifically interested in organizations with established governance (and independent board and strong executive director), legal accountability (registered with authorities), a strong desire to engage in WASH activities in the local areas, and a commitment to Christian values.
My organization in North America would like to partner with Lifewater. How do I make the connection?
Lifewater works with several other organizations based in North America in several different capacities: training, fundraising, project planning and implementation, and advocacy. If you would like to make a connection with us, please contact us at info@lifewater.org.
How does Lifewater communicate the Gospel and share God’s love?
We are a non-denominational Christian organization, and we strive to love, forgive, and serve others as Jesus as done for us. That same motivation manifests itself in many ways, and we work to be faithful to our call to share Christ’s love in word and deed while still allowing as many people as possible feel comfortable and be included in the our work. We serve everyone regardless of their faith. Many of the communities in which we and our in-country partners work are non-Christian, have mixed faiths, and might even be hostile to religion, but that does not determine whether or not they will receive safe water or get training in sanitation and hygiene.
Since we work in such a wide range of environments, they way in which the Gospel and God’s love are communicated are different and we hope appropriate for the circumstances. For this reason, we are heavily dependent on our in-country partners for guidance, relationship-building, contextualization, and follow-through. Often, water development projects provide numerous opportunities for interaction. Whenever a Lifewater-trained crew sets up a drill rig or begins repairing a village water well, people are motivated to ask, “Why are you doing this for us?” This opens the door to share about the transformational power of Jesus’ love. Also, our volunteers often share their personal faith with people they meet, and our training courses and curricula reflect a holistic approach to development, with biblical principles incorporated into the lessons. In situations where overtly sharing our faith would compromise the effectiveness or safety of our volunteers and/or in-country partners’ work, we seek alternative ways to work toward holistic transformation.
What is Lifewater’s annual budget?
In the fiscal year 08-09, Lifewater spent $2.6 million. A portion of those funds was received in the prior fiscal year, which were designated for use in fiscal year 08-09. If you would like to see our latest audited financial statement or IRS Form 990, please click on “About Us” and “Financials”.
What is Lifewater’s overhead (administrative costs)?
In the fiscal year 08-09, Lifewater spent 88.6% of its funds on programs (WASH development projects and training) and 11.4% on administration and fundraising. Read about evaluating nonprofit overhead from the National Center for Charitable Statistics here. [link to: http://nccsdataweb.urban.org/FAQ/index.php?category=40]
Where does Lifewater get its funding?
Lifewater gets most of its funding from individual donations (about 35 percent), but also receives significant funds from foundations, government (USAID), churches, businesses, and civic groups. Many of these groups have strict evaluation and reporting requirements, so we are constantly improving our ability to manage large projects well. Lifewater also receives a significant amount of donated labor from experts working overseas in areas such as well drilling.
What is Lifewater’s designation policy?
Lifewater wants to ensure that the maximum amount of your donation reaches water, sanitation, and hygiene projects with the minimum amount of administrative cost. Gifts designated to “where needed most” help us do this. We especially encourage this option for donations under $500. If you would like to designate your gift to a specific country or project, please contact us for more information. Gifts designated to projects involving specific volunteer field trainers will be respected regardless of amount.
Can I give a gift of something other than cash?
Lifewater is able to accept several forms of donations, including securities and real property. We are also able to help guide you through the steps of planning a gift to Lifewater over time or as part of your estate plans. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@lifewater.org or call 888-543-3426.
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