Global Water Center Receives Grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation
CHARLESTON, S.C., February 13, 2024— In late October, the Global Water Center (GWC) was awarded a grant of $349,939 from The Coca-Cola Foundation to support the Solar Pumping Technical Assistance program in Karnataka, India. The project will train approximately 300 to 500 government engineers and consultants from the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department (RDWSD) of Karnataka, India, in the sustainable design and management of Solar-Powered Water Systems (SPWS).
Training Project to Provide Safe Water in Karnataka, India
Dr. George Greene III, Executive Chairman of the Global Water Center, expressed gratitude for the grant and highlighted the impact it will have on providing safe water to the population in Karnataka. The project aims to equip government engineers with the knowledge needed to evaluate and design Solar-Powered Pumping Systems that can provide safe water to the people of Karnataka.
The goal is to address the lack of access to safe and reliable household tap connections for 16.4 million people in Karnataka’s rural population. The project will focus on training and ongoing technical support in SPWS to improve access to safe water and sanitation in the state.
Focus on Solar-Powered Water Systems and Groundwater Management
In addition to focusing on SPWS, the training project will also emphasize the importance of groundwater management in designing systems that do not deplete this vital resource. The current rural water schemes in Karnataka, powered by electricity, provide limited water supply, and the use of SPWS will support the goal of 24/7 continuous water supply to the population.
Positive Impacts of Solar-Powered Water Systems
The adoption of SPWS in Karnataka will have several positive impacts, including a reduction in water-borne diseases associated with the water supply, a decrease in water storage-related contamination, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. SPWS will also contribute to the financial sustainability of water systems by reducing or eliminating the costs associated with electricity.
Global Water Center’s Commitment to Providing Clean Water
At Global Water Center, the focus is on providing clean water to the 2.2 billion people in need. The grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation will greatly aid Karnataka and contribute to accelerating the end of water poverty in the region.
FAQ
What is the objective of the grant awarded to the Global Water Center?
The grant aims to support the Solar Pumping Technical Assistance program in Karnataka, India, by training government engineers in the design and management of Solar-Powered Water Systems. This will provide safe water to the population in Karnataka.
What are the positive impacts of adopting Solar-Powered Water Systems in Karnataka?
The adoption of SPWS in Karnataka will lead to a reduction in water-borne diseases, a decrease in water storage-related contamination, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, SPWS will contribute to the financial sustainability of water systems by reducing or eliminating the costs associated with electricity.
Conclusion
The grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation to the Global Water Center for the Solar Pumping Technical Assistance program in Karnataka, India, underscores the commitment to providing safe and sustainable access to clean water. Through the training project, government engineers in Karnataka will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure a reliable and continuous water supply to the population, ultimately working towards the goal of ending water poverty in the region.
