Our Work on the Ground
See how IDWP is transforming access to clean water in rural Liberia — and what we plan to do next.
The Problem
IDWP strives to prevent diseases in rural Liberia and parts of Africa by providing clean and safe drinking water to dwellers who lack pipe-borne water treated in a water and sewer plant.
After 15 years of civil war that demolished almost all of the water plants and facilities in Liberia, many city and rural dwellers currently obtain their drinking water from wells, creeks, and rivers that lack proper treatment.
Wells currently used are often dug in close proximity to outhouses or toilet huts — making them highly vulnerable to surface-water contamination and disease.
"Water is a great need. Clean water for rural communities is the beginning of health."— President Joseph N. Boakai, Republic of Liberia · Office Press Release, March 4, 2009
IDWP's Solution
A hand pump installed by IDWP providing clean, safe drinking water to a rural community.
Before & After
From contaminated open wells to safe, clean hand pumps — this is the transformation IDWP brings to rural Liberia.
Our Solution
Due to the shortage of electricity in most parts of Liberia, IDWP's goal is to establish a water system that is operated manually — effectively, efficiently, and at low cost.
System Diagram
The diagram below illustrates IDWP's complete water delivery system — from the merry-go-round pump down to the water table and out to community water points.
Children play and simultaneously pump clean water from the well below.
A deep drilled well reaching the clean water table below ground.
Water is carried underground from the pump to the storage tower.
Elevated tower stores water and maintains pressure for distribution.
The main water storage tank at the top of the tower.
Water flows via pipes to community water points throughout the area.
Deep wells drilled far from sources of contamination, sealed to protect against surface water intrusion and sewage runoff.
Water storage reservoirs built close to communities to ensure consistent access and eliminate long walks to water sources.
Innovative merry-go-round devices allow children to pump clean water from wells while playing — no electricity required.
Our Vision
After becoming fully operational in Liberia, IDWP intends to extend its projects to other African nations — replicating the model of successful water projects already proven in South Africa.
