Clean Water is Kids Play

"Today, more than 1.1 billion people around the world have no access to clean drinking water. Unless action is taken, the number of people who lack access could increase to 2.3 billion by 2025. As many as 135 million people will die from water-related diseases by 2020 unless changes are made."  This according to Play Pumps International which has developed a brilliant approach to addressing the problem. 

It's a simple idea. As children spin on a merry-go-round, water pumps from below the ground. It is stored in a tank just a few feet away, making a safe, plentiful supply of water available in the community.

Nearly 700 PlayPump systems have been installed in South Africa, providing safe water to a million people living in rural and peri-urban communities. Thousands more PlayPumps will be installed throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, bringing the many benefits of ready access to clean drinking water to millions.

Speaking to world leaders at the Clinton Global Initiative, Laura Bush announced a $16.4 million investment by the U.S. government, the Case Foundation and The MCJ Foundation to expand the installation of PlayPump� water pumping systems throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The public-private partnership will help provide the benefits of clean drinking water to millions of children and their families. Read the press release or watch the webcast.

Susan Herr