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Clean water for all: The ROAMfilter Plus is transforming access in remote communities

Clean water for all: The ROAMfilter Plus is transforming access in remote communities
Clean water for all: The ROAMfilter Plus is transforming access in remote communities | Photo credits: www.wateroam.com

Access to clean water is a human right, yet 2.2 billion people worldwide still lack this basic necessity. This figure, equivalent to one in every three people, underlines a persistent and urgent global crisis. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. However, logistical, infrastructural, and economic barriers continue to hinder progress, particularly in rural and remote communities. Addressing this challenge is not only a matter of public health but a fundamental driver of education, economic growth, and sustainable development.


A simple solution to a complex crisis


The ROAMfilter Plus, developed by Wateroam, represents a remarkable innovation in community water filtration. This lightweight, portable, and easy-to-use device has been strategically engineered to serve communities where traditional infrastructure is absent. Unlike bottled water, which is costly and environmentally unsustainable, or large-scale treatment plants that require extensive investment, the ROAMfilter Plus provides an accessible, scalable solution.


Key features of the ROAMfilter Plus include:


·       A high flow rate, capable of providing clean water for over 100 people daily

·       Laboratory certification for the removal of 99.99% of bacteria and 99.99% of viruses

·       Compatibility with existing infrastructure like gravity tanks and rainwater harvesting systems

·       A lifespan of up to 1.4 million litres and two years of effective membrane use

·       ValveFlip™ Technology for easy maintenance


This robust design allows for operation in off-grid locations without the need for electricity, making it particularly suitable for rural schools, health centres, churches, and disaster-struck areas.

 

Safe drinking water

The human cost of unsafe water


According to UNICEF, more than 1,000 children die each day due to WASH-related illnesses (water, sanitation, and hygiene). Diarrhoea alone accounts for a significant portion of these preventable deaths. The consequences extend beyond health: children miss an estimated 443 million school days each year due to water collection duties and illness.


Economically, the cost is staggering. The World Bank estimates a global loss of $260 billion annually due to water and sanitation challenges. These issues reduce productivity, increase healthcare costs, and limit educational and employment opportunities, particularly for women and girls, who often bear the burden of water collection.


Sustainable impact through global collaboration


To date, Wateroam’s ROAMfilter systems have improved the lives of over 100,000 individuals in vulnerable communities across Southeast Asia, Africa, and beyond. Their deployment has helped keep children in school, enabled micro-enterprise development, and strengthened community resilience.


This progress aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including:


·       SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

·       SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being


The Global Society plays a vital role in scaling such technologies. Through cross-border collaboration, knowledge exchange, and investment, initiatives like Wateroam can be replicated and adapted to meet the unique challenges of diverse regions.


Clean water as a catalyst for change


The impact of safe water access is not just immediate—it is transformational. Communities that gain access to reliable, safe drinking water report improvements in school attendance, healthcare delivery, and economic activity. In the words of a school principal in a Wateroam-supported village:


“My students used to fall sick because of fever and diarrhoea from drinking dirty water, and not anymore now. Students are learning about the importance of clean water. I am so happy that they have stopped spending money to buy water!”


Such stories illustrate the profound, multidimensional benefits of clean water.

 

As we approach 2030, the goals set forth in the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development require sustained, coordinated effort. Innovative, community-driven tools like the ROAMfilter Plus not only address immediate water safety needs but also empower communities to thrive. By investing in adaptable, cost-effective technologies and fostering global partnerships, we can take tangible steps towards a more equitable and sustainable future.


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