The Amazon Water Project – “AWP” is a natural spin off from our extensive work on the upper Amazon along the Maranon River. After working in this region for several years we have been overwhelmed by the basic need of people for clean water. Even in this “water world” there is a major shortage of suitable water to drink. Cross contamination from open pit toilets, the natural abundance of microbes and bacteria all contribute to 80% of the illnesses being water borne disease.
In a world where many people are working to bring fresh water to undeveloped countries, the Amazon seems to have been forgotten. Maybe its the perception that with the rainfall and rivers, clean water is not a problem there, consequentially very few are working in this part of the world to bring clean water; and the people are suffering.
Our goal is to provide intelligent solutions. Sometimes its well drilling and installing a pump and storage tank, other times its a simple as providing filters. Always; there is a major need for education. The people there are just not aware of how disease is transmitted and waters role in this issue.
The Basic need for clean water transcends any creed or belief system. The Amazon Water Project was founded to make use of our existing facilities on the Amazon and begin delivering the proper help to the people there regardless of their affiliation with any religious organization. We have a unique position in this area of the Amazon as we have spent 5 years building legally established non-profits in Peru and we have developed infrastructure to support our work there. Our reputation in the area is such that we have in place, letters of agreement and cooperation with the mayors and government.
The Amazon Water Project owns the facilities and equipment and has a staff of Peruvian nationals to provide the labor and expertise to operate the equipment. We fund the water projects and pay the workers prevailing wage to ensure a secondary benefit of helping the economic situation in areas that we are working.