Aqua Warriors United, a Participatory Water Resources Revitalization Programme

Project Description

Welcome to our grant proposal aimed at raising money for revitalizing local water bodies through our unique “Participatory Water Resources Revitalization Programme”. Our mission is to engage communities for restoration of decentralized water sources for sustainable water management and reducing reliance on centralized water utilities and inefficient supply services.

Project Purpose

Water logistics is a huge problem. Water being dense, is heavy and is therefore a logistical nightmare. Most times, water is brought in heavy duty diesel trucks from miles away or pumped upstream using massive pumps. Governments spend millions of dollars on this and one of the effects of this is hundreds of tons of CO2 being emitted. By reviving decentralized water sources, we can reduce GHG emissions to a large extent and save users and governments millions of dollars.

Project Update

Aqua Warriors United has successfully conducted 500+ awareness programs and initiated the cleaning and reconstruction of 32 (till date) water sources in various communities. We have collaborated with local authorities and implemented activities aligned with the Jal Jeevan Mission – JJM Scheme by the Government of India. Despite challenges such as limited resources and logistical constraints, we have made significant progress in our restoration efforts.

Future Implementation and Utilization of Funds :

For well restoration, Aqua Warriors start with launching awareness campaigns within local communities. Then experienced local teams and volunteers together handle the cleaning process, including wastewater disposal, clearing wastages, and removing surrounding vegetation. Lime and salt are added post-cleaning for safe drinking water. Groundwater extraction requires 1 or 2 HP motors, depending on well depth (ranging from 30 to 45 feet). Post-renovation, water quality is tested. Approximately $500 is needed for the renovation of one well that can serve a community of approximately 100 people. Whatever money is raised will go into a well restoration. Unit Economics It typically costs us $500 to restore one well that can support approximately 150 people. The breakup of this includes:

• Cleaning and renovation labour
• Water quality testing
• Conducting awareness campaigns and educational programs
• Engaging local communities and volunteers in restoration efforts
• Administrative expenses and overhead costs
• Contingency fund for unforeseen challenges
• Project evaluation and impact assessment

Contribution to Public Goods

The Water Regeneration Project by Aqua Warriors NGO is committed to widespread well cleanup training for the community. In addition, we will make best practices openly accessible to the entire world. We will also develop an educational toolkit for sustainable water management, collaborate with local institutions to share insights, and advocate for water conservation policies in our region.

Details about Project Area:

Aqua Warriors is implementing the project in states of Central and South India, targeting wells with favorable conditions for re-use and reconstruction. Through field visits, we identify wells in reasonable condition and collect community responses, focusing on areas where people express interest in utilizing well water. Renovation efforts are concentrated in locations where Wells are underutilized.

Impact Measurement:

Post-implementation, Aqua Warriors conducts surveys with beneficiary families to gauge well utilization, collect opinions, and extract success stories. Additionally, water samples are sent for testing twice every three months to ensure ongoing water quality. The impact of the project on the community is substantial, benefiting 18 to 25 families per well, totaling approximately 80 to 120 people.

Impact on Surrounding Villages:

Motivating community members about the importance of well water and its benefits, the project encourages well reusage. With 3 to 10 wells per village in the surrounding project area, the majority in good condition, the initiative serves as a timely intervention to reconstruct these wells and prevent the loss of valuable water sources.

Project Head

Mr. Keerti, Bacehlors in Social Work, Manager @ Aqua Warriors United . He is a young dynamic individual with lots of experience in the social and water areas. He has been involved with more than 100+ collaborations spanning his career. His team mostly consists of college interns who are willing to gain real-world experience.