Leaders in Water Business Team up to Reach 2 Million People

Implementation of a solar-powered Grundfos pump system associated with a World Vision well in Kenya. PHOTO: World Vision.
Implementation of a solar-powered Grundfos pump system associated with a World Vision well in Kenya. PHOTO: World Vision.

Seattle, WA (October 13, 2014) — The world’s leading provider of water pumps and solutions is joining forces with the largest nongovernmental organization providing clean water.

Grundfos, the world’s leading pump manufacturer, and World Vision — the largest non-governmental provider of clean water in the developing world — announced a new partnership to provide clean water to 2 million people in sub-Saharan Africa over the next five years.

“The partnership of World Vision and Grundfos will help millions of poor people have access to clean water,” said Greg Allgood, vice president of water at World Vision.

“Not only are World Vision and Grundfos providing clean water but we’re providing it with clean energy by using solar powered systems.”

World Vision will over the coming years install more than 1,000 Grundfos solar-powered pumps in sub-Saharan African villages in order to provide a sustained water supply. World Vision already has a long-term humanitarian development presence in these communities, which supplements the clean water with other critical needs such as economic development, healthcare and education.

“This partnership is truly historic and unique,” said Rasoul D. Mikkelsen, director for strategic partnerships in Grundfos. “Grundfos and World Vision will engage in many ways to take on this huge and very important task of supplying drinking water in critical areas. Together we will target the most vulnerable people in developing countries and enabling us to ensure decent and sustainable living conditions for millions of people.”

Once World Vision digs a well that serves as a community’s water source, it will use a solar-powered Grundfos pump to store the water in an overhead tank. And an automatic water dispenser with water management system will ensure effective monitoring and long-term support, service and maintenance.

Not only are these mechanized systems environmentally friendly and provide more accessible water points for the community, but they are less expensive per person reached to install than traditional boreholes.

World Vision already is an industry leader in this approach, having provided more than 200 of these mechanized water systems in villages around the world.

The collaboration also will enable World Vision to reduce the average cost, currently $50, of providing clean water to a person.

In addition to providing clean water in sub-Saharan Africa, World Vision and Grundfos will share knowledge and expertise in implementing solutions for a sustainable water supply in the developing world.

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About Grundfos:

Grundfos is a global leader in advanced pump solutions and a trendsetter in water technology. Grundfos contributes to global sustainability by pioneering technologies that improve quality of life for people and care for the planet. Please visit www.grundfos.com.

About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.

Highlights

  • Grundfos, the world’s leading pump manufacturer, and World Vision — the largest non-governmental provider of clean water in the developing world — announced a new partnership to provide clean water to 2 million people in sub-Saharan Africa over the next five years.
  • Once World Vision digs a well that serves as a community’s water source, it will use a solar-powered Grundfos pump to store the water in an overhead tank.
  • In addition to providing clean water in sub-Saharan Africa, World Vision and Grundfos will share knowledge and expertise in implementing solutions for a sustainable water supply in the developing world.