Partner Spotlight: Better with Water

Partner Spotlight: Better with Water

Access to clean water is essential for human health and prosperity. Shockingly, around a quarter of the global population lacks access to safe drinking water. This absence not only heightens vulnerability to waterborne diseases but also exacerbates gender disparities. While significant efforts have been made to ensure universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, much remains to be done. In 2022, 73% of the world’s population had access to safely managed drinking water, a modest 4% increase from 2015 (WHO). However, the plight of slum communities persists, often overlooked by mainstream water providers. With projections suggesting that one in three people will reside in slums by 2050, addressing this exclusion is paramount.

Efforts such as advocacy for policy changes, investment in infrastructure, and community empowerment initiatives are essential components in achieving this goal. Our newest member, Better with Water is one such organisation leading the charge and striving to establish a future where connecting slum communities to a city’s water supply is the norm, ensuring water access for all.

Empowering Slum Communities

Formerly known as ‘Eau et Vie,’ Better with Water was founded in 2008 by Philippe de Roux and Valérie Dumans. Their aspiration stemmed from experiences working for a microfinance organisation in Manila, where they witnessed the dire water challenges faced by slum communities. Leveraging de Roux’s background in running a plumbing company in France, they established Better with Water to foster inclusive and sustainable living conditions for the urban poor. Through a market-based approach, the organisation connects slum dwellers with mainstream water suppliers, expanding access and challenging negative perceptions of slums. Recognizing their impact, Better with Water was awarded the Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Water category in 2023.

Initiatives and Operations

Operating on a hybrid model, Better with Water’s for-profit arm distributes water in slum communities in Bangladesh and the Philippines. By purchasing water from local operators and installing piping infrastructure, households gain access to private taps, significantly reducing costs. Thanks to these initiatives, residents of slum areas now enjoy water at one-third of the cost they were previously paying. Additionally, the organisation’s not-for-profit division offers community services, including hygiene awareness sessions and training in firefighting and first aid, empowering residents and fostering resilience.

Impact and Future Projects

Better with Water has made significant strides, working in over 26 deprived neighbourhoods across Bangladesh and the Philippines. As of 2022, the organisation has positively impacted over 52,000 individuals, aligning its efforts with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By providing access to safe water, Better with Water enables residents to dedicate more time to education and professional pursuits, breaking the cycle of poverty prevalent in slum areas.

Looking ahead, Better with Water plans to expand its reach, with upcoming projects in slum communities in Kenya.