The PepsiCo Foundation and Safe Water Network launched the 80th iJal, or safe water station, in Vennaram, a village of approximately 4,000 people in the Warangal District of Telangana, India.
Like most communities in Warangal, local water sources contain dangerous levels of fluoride and microbial contaminants.
Debilitating illness from drinking this water is common.
Each water station purifies local ground water and provides convenient, affordable and reliable access to safe water for the entire community.
The launch of this new water station project is a result of a US$1.7 million grant from the PepsiCo Foundation to the Safe Water Network.
By the end of 2016, PepsiCo Foundation’s support is expected to bring access to safe water to 180,000 additional people throughout India.
Starting in 2008, the PepsiCo Foundation has awarded in total more than US$5 million to Safe Water Network to build out the organization’s initial operating footprint in India and Ghana.
As a result of this support, Safe Water Network has, to date, provided more than 220,000 people in 67 communities throughout India and Ghana sustainable access to safe water.
Besides providing direct funding for water stations, the PepsiCo Foundation’s support has enabled the refinement and standardization of a comprehensive set of tools, processes and manuals to build and maintain iJal Stations.
In addition, the foundation supported the development of Safe Water Network’s award-winning iJal brand, which included a consumer messaging campaign.
A growing body of research shows that nearly 100 million people in India lack access to safe water.
Safe Water Network has been working there since 2008 and has empowered communities to own and manage Safe Water Stations that provide affordable, reliable access to safe water for thousands of people.
