Disaster Relief

Responding to Water Needs through crisis

Water Sustainability During Disaster Response

Drinking Water From a Ditch After a Hurricane

First Water products have been specifically designed by first responders and the military for responding to the water needs of those who have suffered through a disaster.  During a natural disaster, thousands suffer from not having the basic necessities of life.  The most critical item of need is suitable water for drinking and sanitation.  Without suitable drinking water, the damage and suffering from the disaster becomes even worse, with epidemics such as cholera too often the result.  Not only will those suffering will not be able to consume suitable water, but they will be forced to consume water contaminated almost immediately after a disaster from rotting vegetation and animal carcasses killed in the event.  Disease spreads quickly, and the damage becomes exponential.

First Water not only provides a full line of state-of-the art water purification products, but also accessory products to ensure all water needs are met during a disaster.  There is a three step process to ensure a turnkey solution … one that needs little training or expertise to implement:

Step 1: Purification

First Water provides multiple products to change fresh water into potable water.  These products are both stationary and portable, and are powered by electric or solar.  They provide anywhere between four liters (1 gallon) and 45 liters (12 gallons) per minute.  Depending on the need, one can choose from the Responder™, Outpost™ or Villager™ line of products to ensure those in need can obtain suitable drinking water quickly and efficiently.

Step 2: Distribution

The purification products of First Water produce very high volumes of water and benefit greatly from a distribution system.  This system, called the Filling Station™, enables either four or six lines of people to obtain water at any given time.  Including a bladder and water distribution system, the Filling Station™ has been custom made to work with the purification products of First Water to distribute water  so as many people as possible can be safely served.

Step 3: Delivery

First Water provides Aqua Bags™, which are three gallon heavy gauge food grade plastic bags that serve as vessels for the clean water.  During a disaster, the most common of life’s necessities, like clean glasses or jugs become a luxury.  Aqua Bags™ provide a clean vessel that weighs about 20 pounds when full, making transport of the clean water as easily as possible.

An Outpost at work in a Flood Zone

The First Water technology has been utilized in such events as the great 2005 Indian Ocean tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, annual floods worldwide, regular hurricanes, cyclones and tornadoes, etc.  A perfect example of the First Water solution at work was in the 2008 historic Bolivian floods.  Bolivia is a country with significant altitude variations.  In the lowlands, flooding becomes a regular challenge, and tens of thousands suffered from the 2008 floods.  The First Water solution was immediately implemented to ensure suitable drinking water was available.  Outposts were immediately utilized, providing thousands of gallons of purified water.  While the flooding receded in two months, the need remained.  The Outposts were moved to service the communities well after the floods receded…..and are still being utilized today.