Abundant Water Inc

Abundant Water Inc is an Australian nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing water scarcity by providing sustainable and scalable clean drinking water solutions through social business models. Founded in 2008 by Australian engineer Sunny Forsyth, the organization empowers remote and rural communities to secure their own access to safe water by training local potters and vendors to manufacture and distribute clay-pottery water filters as micro-businesses[3][5].

History

The origins of Abundant Water trace back to 2008 when Sunny Forsyth, working as an Australian Government Youth Ambassador, observed firsthand the severe lack of safe drinking water in rural communities. Motivated to make a lasting impact, Forsyth established Abundant Water to create affordable, community-driven water filtration solutions. The organization has since expanded its operations beyond Australia to countries including Laos, Timor Leste, and the Philippines, where it launched a pilot project in 2022 serving communities in Bohol and Maribojoc with support from the Rotary Club of Hall[3][1][5].

Mission and Approach

Abundant Water’s mission focuses on delivering health and hygiene benefits by utilizing social business strategies to design and implement clean water projects that are both sustainable and scalable. Their approach involves training and equipping local artisans—particularly potters—to produce clay water filters, fostering local entrepreneurship, and ensuring a continuous supply of clean water in underserved communities. This model aims to create a global network of community-owned social enterprises dedicated to improving water access and quality[3][5].

Programs and Impact

The organization has implemented WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) social business programs in remote and rural areas, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Pacific region. These programs emphasize capacity building through hands-on training of local stakeholders and the establishment of micro-businesses that distribute water filters. By integrating income-generating opportunities with water sanitation efforts, Abundant Water supports both economic empowerment and public health improvements in vulnerable populations[2][5].

Governance and Partnerships

Abundant Water operates with a dedicated board based in Canberra, Australia, overseeing governance, administration, and resource allocation. The in-country teams work directly within communities to implement projects and provide ongoing support. The organization collaborates with a range of partners, including nonprofit organizations, business donors, and local stakeholders, to enhance the reach and effectiveness of their programs. Notable partnerships have included support from the Rotary Club of Hall and affiliations with Australian water and charity networks[3][1][4].

Vision

Abundant Water envisions building a global network of sustainable social businesses that provide clean water access to remote communities worldwide. Through their socially driven enterprise model, they aim to create lasting health, hygiene, and economic benefits for vulnerable populations affected by water scarcity[3][5].

[1] https://www.abundantwater.org [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/1e57724a-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad24077/profile [3] https://www.abundantwater.org/about-us [4] https://waterpartnership.org.au/partner-logos/abundant-water-inc/ [5] https://watercharity.com.au/charities/abundant-water-inc/