Aqua Clara Water Filters, Kenya

Fewer than half of Kenyans have access to safe drinking water, collecting water from open rivers, streams and other unsafe sources, leading to regular outbreaks of cholera and other water-borne diseases. 

People are encouraged to boil water before drinking, which is usually done by burning unsustainable sources of biomass like wood or charcoal, reducing forest cover, causing carbon emissions, and exposing people to household smoke. 

This project brings affordable water filters to families and schools in Kenya, through community-led microfinance loans, eliminating the need to boil water for drinking. These bio-sand water filters purify water as it passes through layers of sand, naturally removing bacteria and parasites from the clean water that flows from the tap. 

Aqua Clara goes beyond providing the technology for safe water, they also teach people how to maintain the microfibre filters and educate communities on the importance of washing hands, fruits and vegetables.

In addition to delivering emissions reductions to take climate action (SDG 13), the project delivers additional benefits. The SDG contributions have been indicatively measured, and need to be confirmed:

• Good Health and Well-being: Reduced exposure to unsafe water and household smoke.
• Clean Water and Sanitation: Nearly 80% of households report fewer occurrences of diarrhoea in their children since using the Aqua Clara water filter.
• Decent Work and Economic Growth: Creating skilled job opportunities in local production and distribution of water filters.
• No Poverty: Studies showed savings of up to $2 per month through a reduction in water-related costs.
• Quality Education: The programme delivers extensive hygiene training, using a variety of teaching methodologies.
• Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Maintenance of this safe water infrastructure is ensured through extensive training of distributors.