Rotary International is the hidden giant in the struggle to solve the water & sanitation challenge:1.2 million men and women in business or professional life, nearly 34,000 clubs in over 200 countries – including all those most acutely affected by the water and sanitation crisis. Our heart is in the right place. Rotary projects improve quality of life, e.g.: · Rainwater harvesting – India, Kenya · Slow-sand filters – Haiti, Cambodia · Wells – Guatemala, Zambia · Pipelines – Madagascar, Sarawak · Water-based toilets – Ethiopia a next move towards a solution Wasrag (Water & Sanitation Rotarian Action Group) was formed on March 22nd, 2007 and recognized by Rotary International. In spring 2010 Wasrag launched Start with Water, a program designed to provide support to Rotary Clubs around the world.

Start with Water is the response to Rotarians’ desire to have a major impact on the life and livelihood of people by helping to provide lasting and sustainable safe water and sanitation solutions. Rotarians are uniquely qualified to deliver sustainable solutions. They understand the culture and values of the local communities to which they belong. They are attuned to political considerations and can pinpoint problems before they become hurdles. The world is discovering that effective programs take 3 to 5 years to be sustainable – local community engagement and appropriate technologies are keys to success. 

Solutions need to consider complex realities: geography, geology, climate, local culture for example. Ensuring a project is based on best practices isn’t easy, requiring skills often not readily available to Rotary Clubs. Wasrag created Start with Water to provide the know-how, consistency and credibility essential to success over the long term. why will this work? The basis of our approach is a comprehensive Needs Assessment for every affected area. Universally-accessible tools are provided to help every project use the assessments and be more successful.

The key aspects of Start with Water are: · Large scale needs assessments reflecting local realities such as watersheds, flow issues and political boundaries; · Endorsed project listings that Rotary Clubs, Districts and even non-Rotarian groups can rely on, knowing they fit into larger sustainable programs; · Up-to-the-minute guidance on best practices in water & sanitation work: community participation, needs-driven, sustainable technologies, education, long-term monitoring, evaluation and continuous learning; · Experts network and technical support; · Awareness building about the crisis facing the world; · Sourcing external funding; and building relationships with reliable partners.