Humanity's Most Problematic Attempts to Get All the Water

Survival shows are running amok. The contestants are naked; they’re two out-of-shape guys in the woods; they’re stuck on an island. Despite differences in attire or setting, one thing remains constant: For every survivor, finding potable water is the first order of business.…  Read More

Wetlands continue to reduce nitrates

Wetlands created 20 years ago between tile-drained agricultural fields and the Embarras River were recently revisited for a new two-year research project. Results show an overall 62 percent nitrate removal rate and little emission of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas.(more)

Practising the human right for safe drinking water and sanitation for sustainability

Everybody deserves access to water and sanitation. Acknowledging safe drinking water and sanitation as human rights is crucial in making this a reality. But how to do that in practice? The handbook on human rights to water and sanitation provides guidance.

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Why A Toilet Alone Won't Do The Job: The 'Software' Of Sanitation Innovation

“The 2015 goal to halve the proportion of people living without sanitation is running 150 years behind schedule.”
- WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation 2010

Since 2008, the “International Year of Sanitation,” the topic of toilets has more frequently appeared in media all over the world. Despite many efforts, today there are still 2.5 billion people worldwide without access to improved sanitation. Why? Because a toilet alone won’t do the job.
(complete Forbes article)

Seattle Rotary Clubs to visit Yuguelito Community in Mexico City

Rick and Stan met with representatives from the Rotary Club of the University District, Seattle and the Rotary Club of Ballard (Susan Sola, Marilee Fuller, Daniel Foe, Chistina Shimizu and Leslie Grace). They are leaving for Mexico City on August 19th to visit the Yuguelito community. This marginalized community in Mexico City is struggling to obtain adequate housing, water and sewage. The Seattle Rotarians will see, first hand, how the Yuguelito community and the Mexico City Rotarians furnished the community center (where children can safely study and play) that the Seattle clubs helped finance. They will also meet the community leaders and learn the details about their future plans. They want to leave with enough information to determine if they want to present proposals to their respective clubs about future projects for this community. Rick and Stan gave them their perspective of the community, its leaders and possibilities after their two visits to the community last month. This may be an excellent opportunity to introduce sustainable housing, rainwater harvesting and/or dry latrine projects to the community. The Rotary Club decisions may determine whether or not Water for Humans gets involved with this community.