Water4Life

Water4Life Global began in 2019 around Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, one of the country's most important freshwater sources. There, more than 80% of wastewater goes untreated and over 20% of people suffer waterborne illness, with rural communities facing the greatest barriers. The organization's impact and progress page tracks results, and its regenerative solutions page explains each program.

The Village Water Filter uses a 0.1 micron hollow-fibre membrane. It meets World Health Organization drinking water standards, removing bacteria, protozoa and cysts at 99.99999%, and produces roughly five gallons an hour, or one litre every two minutes. It needs no chemicals, no construction and no replacement parts — you attach it to any threaded plastic bucket or tap, then clean it by backwashing with a syringe.

The community program, "Bienestar Comunitario", runs three strands:

(1) "Olas Sanadoras" - leadership training for local indigenous women to lead community workshops on clean water practices and environmental care

(2)"Agua que Empodera" - filter delivery to various communities that includes educational workshop and instruction on how to use the filter properly, led by local women leaders

(3) "¡Sé un Héroe de la Salud!" - a project that brings water filters into schools and that educates children and their parents on the importance of clean water and proper hygiene practices to prevent waterborne illness.

Teams use mapping software and household surveys to choose where to work and to check that filters stay in use.

The work supports five Sustainable Development Goals, including clean water, good health and gender equality.