Water Safety / Water Filtration

biosand water filter

In Barrio La Cruz many people experience diarrhea, parasites and other waterborne illness due to the lack of safe drinking water. According to the World Health Organization dehydration from diarrhea is leading cause of death especially among children. Only about 15% of the families in Barrio La Cruz can afford to purchase filtered drinking water. The community cooks and uses unfiltered water.

Paso a Paso installs bio-sand water filters in homes to provide clean water. These filters can be assembled locally and last much longer than traditional plastic filters. They remove over 98% of bacteria and 100% of parasites. We have currently put in 4 filters. These filters are the only source of clean water in the community.

A water filter can be put in for $30. A water filter mold can be bought for $400. We need a mold to produce the filters at a lower cost. Families are required to pay a small percentage of the cost (apx. $2) and they are trained to use the water filtration system. The training opens opportunities to build relationships and to share the gospel.