Who is Abundant Water?

Abundant Water Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation committed to enabling access to clean drinking water by sharing the innovation of clay-pot water filters (CPWF) with indigenous potters in the Lao PDR and other communities. Incorporated in Canberra, Australia; Abundant Water (AW) has rallied young volunteers from every continent in the cause of developing and transferring CPWF technology to communities in need of potable water.

The AW project integrates basic water filtration technology (a concept proven in ANU research) with local Lao potting techniques. These simple ceramic water filters are made by local potters using natural materials and potting techniques and are able to eliminate waterborne diseases such as dysentery, gastro-enteritis, cholera and typhoid that are endemic to many rural villages. This approach is developing local capability and ownership and transferring (and sharing) knowledge and expertise rather than transplanting (or donating) alien systems, technologies and money.

The generosity and enthusiasm of volunteers has enabled AW to develop into an international organisation with an ‘open-source’ structure that conducts fieldwork in Lao PDR and overseas in collaboration with like-minded partners. The ‘open-source’ nature of AW means we are interested in partnership, not ownership. Thus the organization, technological innovation and development model are being freely shared with other like-minded organizations so that the AW project can be replicated elsewhere. This has resulted in interest from every continent. 

Why does Abundant Water exist?

One sixth of the world’s population does not have access to clean drinking water and up to 80% of all sickness in the developing world is caused by a lack of potable water and inadequate sanitation. The removal of water-borne pathogens by ceramic water filters can prevent much of this illness. High-tech solutions have proved to be unsuitable for production and use in developing countries, especially in rural and remote communities as they are unable to afford and maintain expensive hi-tech water filter systems. For these communities the most appropriate solution is a decentralised low-tech system that draws on their traditions and is congruent with their beliefs.

Abundant Water directly meets this need by working side by side with villagers in sharing the CPWF innovation, introducing testing and quality control and facilitating the return of potters as micro-financed businesses to their communities This new cottage industry not only introduces CPWF’s to the village but also begins to educate the community about clean water, sanitation and hygiene.

Progress so far...

The Abundant Water project began in July 2008 with a modest grant from Canberra Rotary for Sunny Forsyth to start a pilot-project introducing the CPWF to Lao potters. An open source organization was formed to facilitate technical development and administration of the pilot project on a shoestring budget. The Abundant Water website was created to connect the growing legion of volunteers becoming involved in the project. Abundant Water Inc. was incorporated in Canberra, Australia and a Management Board established with expertise across a range of disciplines to ensure sound governance of the project and organization.

A team in Lao PDR, consisting of an experienced potter, translator and testing labs, was recruited to begin developmental work. The potter was introduced to the technology and once she had produced a viable filter cup began to adapt it to more traditional Lao forms. Tests at the Lao Government Laboratories concluded the pots were viable water filters. The team experimented with firing regimes and flow rates to develop a domestic filter suited to the local requirements. These filters were tested and the water was certified as safe by the Institute of Food Research Laboratories, Kasetsart University in Bangkok. In this process the AW team in Vientiane took the original pot through 6 iterations to arrive at the current unique Lao form. This form evolved from a pot to a cylindrical filter that has increased the flow-rate tenfold. It is now being trialed in villages throughout Lao PDR. A training compound has been established on the outskirts of Vientiane to enable the training of potters and the continuation of development and experimentation. The training compound has also developed a unique kiln that draws on Lao traditions to provide reliable raku firing with readily available fuel. 

Who is involved?

We believe in partnership not ownership. Consequently, we have a growing list of partners who are not only contributing to the project but are also collaborating in the CPWF innovation and implementation. Abundant Water is also developing partnerships with businesses enabling the rollout of the CPWF innovation to villages throughout Laos. 

Rotary Canberra provided seed-funding and Engineers Without Borders is providing technical assistance. In Lao PDR we partner with Global Development Group on our ‘project’ – J623N Abundant Water – to train potters in making CPWF’s. They provides governance and administrative support for the project. Local support and the understanding of working conditions in Lao PDR is provided by our local partners, Community Development and Environment Association (CDEA). CDEA are also testing and monitoring the use of the filters in the villages and will be training the village potters in enterprise and micro-financed business.

Get Involved

The Abundant Water project is made possible by the generosity of individuals and organizations just like yourself. Whatever your skills or resourcces, they will be highly valued in AW Inc and you will be joining a vibrant and highly motivated community.

Abundant Water Inc relies entirely on the funds raised by our community. Our organization is managed by volunteers allowing almost all funds to be spent in the field in Lao PDR for the potters’ training, translators, testing and pilot-project management. All donations over $2 to this Global Development Group approved aid and development project J623N Abundant Water are tax deductible in Australia & the USA. Our needs are modest and thus whatever you contribute will be significant and make a difference. We ask businesses committed to ‘corporate social responsibility’ to consider partnering our GDG project G623N Abundant Water.

Abundant Water Inc is realising the promise of the clay-pot water filter. Check out www.abundantwater.org and join in and become a part of the Abundant Water community. You have the skills and resources to progress the Abundant Water project.

Because everyone deserves clean water!