The weakest members of communities and villages are the most vulnerable. Every day, water-related diseases claim the lives of 5000 children under the age of five. Millions of people are stricken with preventable diseases because of the lack of clean drinking water. The Straw conveniently hangs around one’s neck and provides him or her the necessary clean water to survive for an entire year.
The Straw is made from durable plastic approximately 10 inches in length and 1 inch in diameter. The internal components include membranes, iodized crystals and active carbon, all of which removes the iodine taste and micron-sized bacteria. It is effective against waterborne bacteria and viruses such as Typhoid, Cholera, E-Coli, Guinea Worm, Dysentery and Diarrhea.
First, when the straw hits the water, the first chamber filters particles, membranes and molecules. Next, the water passes through an iodine filtration system to eliminate disease. Lastly, water passes through the final charcoal grates, removing any bad tastes and providing fresh, safe water. The particle filtration system filters particles from 125 micron down to minimal 15 micron.
The Straw actively purifies water once the user places the end of the filter into the water source and sucks as they would on a regular straw. The water flows through the filtration components and clean water is then delivered into the mouth. It is recommend that the first sip of water be spit out, as the first draw of water activates the filtration system.
The Straw cleanses a minimum of 800 liters of water. This is based on an approximate consumption of 2-3 liters water per day. As a comparison, the average child in Africa receives 8 oz. of water per day. On average, The Straw will last one year and will clog internally when it is no longer effective.
The Straws are part of a crawl, walk, run strategy. They are for intervening and providing emergency filtration to those in desperate need. Once The Straws are distributed, a team then evaluates and develops a strategic plan for creating a sustainable, pure water source within one year. Read about our 3-step sustainable water solution plan HERE .
Each Straw costs $10 USD. The more Straws ordered for a specific project, the cost decreases, and even more funding is available to create the sustainable long-term water source solution for the communities and villages in need.
Any organization can purchase Straws. The organization can also place their name or brand on The Straw at no additional cost (with minimum quantities). Large quantity discounts often apply. Please CONTACT US for additional information.
WATERisLIFE is a 501(c) 3 organization so all donations are tax deductable. 100% of the funds provided go to purchase Straws and provide a sustainable solution for WATERisLIFE partnership communities.
Please CONTACT US today if you are interested in going into the field to distribute The Straw filters. Also, feel free to visit the YOU + WiL page for more information.
