Local groups take water-filtration business to Africa

On March 17, the travelers will head to Zambia, where the poverty rate is higher than 70 percent. The trip will coincide with World Water Day on March 22, a day designated by the United Nations to draw attention to the more than 1 billion people worldwide who don’t have access to clean drinking water.

SIFE students and Convoy representatives will train two families on the construction of bio-sand filters, providing them the opportunity to start their own business.

“This will provide a level of income way beyond what they’re capable of doing now and will make a difference by providing pure water in the surrounding villages,” said Chris Mitchell, SIFE director, in a news release.

The filters can provide 60 gallons of clean water a day, which would meet the needs of 15 people. Families in Zambia on average use less than 10 gallons of water per day.

The filters cost about $30 to make and require minimal upkeep.