2011 Impact Report

November 2011

Rainwater for

Humanity: A socially innovative solution to

water scarcity

Project overview RAINWATER FOR HUMANITY is a collaborative social enterprise initiated by the School of

Environmental Sciences Mahatma Gandhi University and student group at Brown University. We provide

affordable rainwater harvesting tanks to the people of Kuttanad by building rainwater harvesting tanks

and offering a pay-per-use vending model to local families. Each rainwater harvesting tank supplies

families with enough water to meet their drinking and cooking needs year-round, resulting in health

benefits and financial savings.

Progression of Project Since Rainwater for Humanity began in 2009, we have:

-Constructed 8 tanks in the village of Achinakom

- Supplied over 300,000 liters of water to families previously relying on contaminated well

water and vendor water.

This report examines the

impact of Rainwater for

Humanity’s initial rainwater

harvesting tanks in the lives of

local families.

Rainwater for Humanity is now piloting a sustainable business model. Four newly constructed tanks have adopted a pay-per-use vending structure. The water payments from each tank are managed by a female villager nominated by the users. Rainwater for Humanity provides the managers incentives, tank maintenance, and administrative support.

Drinking and cooking water sources 2009 and now

R4H tank Private

vendor

Well

Well Other

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2009 2011

Dry Season Monsoon Season

Private vendor

Rainwater %: 55% 99% 0% 77%

Self-Collect

RW

Self-Collect

RW

Private vendor

Well

Other

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

2009 2011

Well

Impact Results from 2011 Survey Rainwater for Humanity’s catchment tanks provide increased water quality, water

quantity, and convenience for local families.

Increased Water Quality and Health

Rainwater Tank

0 MPN/100mL

Village Well

43 MPN/100mL Private Vendor

43 MPN/100mL

MPN (most probable number) gives the most probable number of E coli coliforms per 100 mL of water. The WHO standard for E coli levels : 0 MPN/100mL

E coli Count

Increased Water

Quantity

Rainwater Tank 2000 L

Alternative Water Sources

1544 L

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

Lit

ers

Household Water Usage per Month

WHO short term survival standard

*141 households surveyed, average household size = 4.5

Families using rainwater catchment tanks use more water per month, than those getting water from alternative sources.

~30% increase in water quantity

Increased Convenience

94% reduction in time spent collecting water

8.5

average hours saved per week

These hours saved empower women and allow them to generate additional income through coir rope making, and spend more time at home with their children.

2011 Opinion Survey and Human Impact

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

The health status of my family has improved after collecting water

from R4H

R4H tank has helped reduce the

time which is commonly spent for

collecting water

R4H tank has led to increased

convenience during a typical day

I am satisfied about the quantity of water available through R4H

4 Strongly Disagree

3 Disagree

2 Agree

1 Strongly Agree

Avg. Score

1.08

1.36

1.48

1.40

*Source: Rainwater for Humanity 2011 Human Impact Survey, N = 25 families

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

I am satisfied about the quality of water availabe

through R4H

I prefer collecting water from the

R4h tank instead of collecting water

from private vendors

I prefer collecting water from the

R4H tank instead of collecting water

from a well

My relationship to my neighbors has

improved after collecting water

from the R4H tank

Avg. Score

1.08

1.52

1.36

1.16

*Source: Rainwater for Humanity 2011 Human Impact Survey, N = 25 families

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

R4H's activity is transparent

in the community

R4H has made a fruitful

change in Achinakom

R4H has made a fruitful

change in my life

I am satisfied with my

Water User Group

Activities.

I support the extension of R4h to my friends and

the near places in the

future

Avg. Score

1.04

1.60

1.72

1.12

1.28

*Source: Rainwater for Humanity 2011 Human Impact Survey, N = 25 families

“This water is such a treasure for me because I can’t put all this water on my head and climb these stairs anymore. I’m not saying I’m just thankful, I’m really really thankful.”

- Sulabha, Achinakom villager

“This water, since it’s rain water, it’s pure. That’s the biggest benefit. This water is healthier.”

–Bincy, Achinakom villager

“It’s a physical burden that’s relieved. It takes a lot of strength and effort to walk all the way [to the well] in the morning and to carry all that water back. This new water makes it so much easier. I probably have an hour or more per day. I definitely make [by tying coir rope] about 30 rupees worth in a day.”

- Shylaja, village committee member

Moving forward

Water is now more affordable and reliable than the previously contaminated sources. To achieve sustainability, the pilot “pay-per-use” vending model is currently underway. We are also testing a new prototype tank with vegetable fiber panel technology. This new design can potentially reduce tank costs by 60%, allowing Rainwater for Humanity to expand to other villages in Kuttanad under a sustainable model. Thank you for your support in ending water scarcity.

For more information visit: www.rainwaterforhumanity.org