Element15 provides safe water solutions to communities in need

More than 5.5 million people in Ghana lack access to safe drinking water, and many more worldwide. Element15 provides safe water solutions to communities in need with an innovative product and sustainable business model. Currently, they are piloting a community water treatment system, supported by the Partners for Water subsidy. It’s one of the many projects that Partners for Water funds for its potential to significantly improve water security and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) – clean water and sanitation for all.

Rural communities often rely on hand pumps or mechanised boreholes for their drinking water supply. The water from these sources often contains harmful bacteria and heavy metals, making it unsafe to drink. To purify it, these communities have no choice but to resort to boiling the water on an open fire: a practice that is harmful to humans and the environment.

To address this issue, Element15 deployed its unique BAR system water solution in Ghana’s Northern Region, in partnership with Partners for Water, and with initial support from Invest International. It contains an innovative filtration process that removes all harmful substances from the water, making it safe for consumption. In addition, the BAR filtration systems eliminate the need for boiling, allowing families to drink safe water straight from the source.

This water solution not only provides safe drinking water but also prevents releasing emissions from the open fire. These avoided emissions are converted into carbon credits, certified by Gold Standard. Revenue from these credits keeps the systems running, funds maintenance, creates local jobs and allows us to expand operations and impact – at zero cost to the communities.