Pujya Swamiji and the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand Dr. Aziz Qureshiji drinking fresh water from Waterlife filters at Kumbh

Access to clean and safe drinking water is a basic human right. Yet, in India alone, thousands of children die, and many more are sickened, by waterborne diseases such as typhoid, dysentery and cholera. Hundreds of villages along the banks of Ganga have no access to fresh, clean, safe drinking water. Adding to the problem are contaminated and shrinking groundwater tables alongside untamed pollution in the Ganga. Thus, “taps” does not only represent installing points for people to access clean drinking water, but also protecting our water bodies and promoting and using alternative water technologies.

What GAP is Doing

• Working to provide taps to the rural poor, as well as water filtration systems
• Installing taps for clean water in all toilet blocks that GAP builds
• Educating the public about water conservation and advocating for proper water management, both in personal use and in farming practices, so that there is enough clean water for everyone
• Promoting and implementing alternative water technologies which do not drain our rivers, including protecting and restoring natural groundwater stores, lakes and other water bodies, creating groundwater stores, rainwater conservation, alternative methods of agriculture which are less water-intensive, reusing treated wastewater for agricultural purposes instead of siphoning off water from the rivers, and more.

Biosand Water Filter

With the leadership, vision and blessing of Pujya Swamiji, the South Asia Pure Water Initiative (SAPWII), Friendly Water for the World (FWFW), Ganga Action Parivar (GAP) and Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) joined together to provide clean drinking water to all, starting with the flood devastated regions of Uttarakhand.

Bio-Sand filters use the bounty of nature to purify water. All-natural materials, such as sand and gravel, trap the majority of contaminants, without the need for electricity, expensive parts, or regular maintenance.

Lab studies have shown that the Biosand Water Filter removes 98% of bacteria and fecal coliform; 99% of parasites, protozoa and worms; 100% of viruses; 95% of zinc, copper, cadmium and lead; 95% of iron and manganese; and up to 93% of arsenic.