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Water

Clean water for every person 

Solar-powered water systems bring clean water to even the most remote and arid communities

Two women turn the tap on a solar-powered clean water system in Uganda

%

of the global population lack access to safe drinking water (World Health Organization)

Drinking Water

Access to drinking water is essential for healthy, prosperous communities. Yet billions of people still lack access, and must instead turn to polluted or far-off sources.

Solar-powered water pumps offer a sustainable and practical solution, stopping waterborne disease in its tracks and mitigating the time and labor spent collecting water on foot. 

A woman uses a solar-powered clean water station in rural Uganda
Children gather around a solar-powered clean water station in Benin
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Solar Power Boosts Clean Water Access for 40,000

In partnership with the Millennium Challenge Corporation, SELF installed a network of solar-powered water pumps in Benin, West Africa.

This infrastructure is now providing clean water to thousands, staving off waterborne illness and improving life.

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A young woman sits in her garden that is watered with solar-powered drip irrigation

Irrigation

Irrigation can make or break food security. Solar-powered watering systems help farmers grow healthy crops year-round, even through dry spells. That means stable income for them and better nutrition for their entire community. 

Through its Solar Market Garden (SMG) program, SELF works with women’s farming collectives around the world to improve food security, economic development, and gender equality.

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“Before, we gardened without irrigation, but now we have water. The irrigation gives the garden plenty of water, and we’re happy now. Because of the garden, we’ve earned money.”

Madeline Yorou, Solar Market Garden Program, Benin

Sanitation & Hygiene

Good sanitation and hygiene help combat the spread of disease. Yet today, 43% of the global population lives without adequate access to these services.

In many rural areas, energy poverty is to blame. Without electricity, there is no way to power water and plumbing infrastructure.

Solar energy allows these communities to bridge the gap, powering toilets and handwashing stations in even the most remote areas. That means less illness and healthier communities.

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A young boy splashes his face with clean water

Powering Clean Water Access in Off-Grid Uganda

In off-grid Uganda, no electricity means no ability to pump, purify, and distribute drinking water. Solar power is changing that. A new community water system, powered by the sun, is now operational and serving hundreds in the community of Bukyerimba. Watch it come together, and learn more about the project.

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