GROUNDWATER FOUNDATION BEGINS YEAR LONG EFFORT TO DRILL WELLS FOR FAMILIES IN NEED
Program offers long-term, low interest loans to those who lack access to
(Westerville, OH — February 10, 2020) — The Groundwater Foundation has kicked off its year-long effort to drill water wells for low-income families across the United States who lack access to clean water. On Tuesday, February 4, drilling began on a new water well system for the Saleh family in Crete, IL.
Last year, the Groundwater Foundation donated $100k to the Water Well Trust to fund a program which pays for the initial cost of drilling a well and participating families are given a 20-year 1% interest loan.
On July 4, 2019, the Saleh family’s water stopped flowing due to a broken casing which caused their water well system to be filled with sand. Unable to afford the up-front cost of a new water well, Marvet Saleh was forced into costly short-term solutions to provide her family with water.
“We ended up buying gallons and gallons of water jugs and eventually purchased four large totes and a shallow well pump, all connected with gardening hoses and PVC pipe,” said Marvet Saleh. “But this is Chicago, and it’s getting cold which creates a lot of problems for our system.”
After learning about the Water Well Trust grant program from her local fire department, Saleh began the process of applying for funding assistance to purchase a new water well.
“I’m so thankful for the partnership between the Groundwater Foundation and Water Well Trust because there is nowhere else I could get a loan for a new well, especially not one I can afford for me and may family” said Saleh.
The Groundwater Foundation, working with the Water Well Trust, assisted Saleh throughout the entirety of the project, from soliciting bids from well drillers to the final installation of the system.
“Water is a basic human need and often taken for granted. Living without clean, safe water impacts almost every part of your day-to-day life.,” said National Ground Water Association CEO and Groundwater Foundation Board Member, Terry S. Morse CAE, CIC. “I’m thrilled we were able to help Marvet and her family, no family should be without clean, safe, and affordable water,
Currently, there are 1.5 million Americans lacking complete plumbing and access to clean, safe, affordable drinking water.
For more information on how to support the Groundwater Foundation and its mission to provide safe, clean, and affordable drinking water to those in need please visit groundwater.org.
Those interested in learning more about maintaining their water well system and available resources can visit wellowner.org.
About the Groundwater Foundation and Water Well Trust
NGWA announced its merger with the non-profit Groundwater Foundation in May 2018
NGWA and the WSC signed a five-year memorandum of understanding on December 3, 2018, that set a foundation for future collaborations between the organizations.
The Water Well Trust is the nonprofit organization overseen by the Water Systems Council. Increasing access to clean water is one the first projects being worked on collectively by NGWA and WSC.
About NGWA
The National Ground Water Association is a not-for-profit professional society and trade association for the global groundwater industry. Our members around the world include leading public and private sector groundwater scientists, engineers, water well system professionals, manufacturers, and suppliers of groundwater-related products and services. The Association’s vision is to be the leading groundwater association advocating for responsible development, management, and use of water.
About The Groundwater Foundation
The Groundwater Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Lincoln, Nebraska with a mission to connect people, businesses, and communities through local groundwater education and action, making us all part of the solution for clean, sustainable groundwater. Since its inception in 1985, the Foundation has offered various education and action opportunities for youth and adults. To learn more, visit www.groundwater.org.
