But Not a Drop to Drink 
The state of Kerala is in the southernmost tip of India. This area receives over 120 inches of water annually, but due to pollution from agricultural chemical run-off and poor sanitation systems, hundreds of thousands of people who live in  this area have difficulty accessing potable water.

You can learn more about this water crisis by going to the article "Neck-deep in water, but thirsty like in a desert"

Large Reverse Osmosis plants are providing people with the water they need. PDG Scaria Jose is working on a project to provide more of these RO Plants and would love other Rotary Clubs and Districts to get involved.  Contact him for more information.
HANWASH in Haiti 
At the 2018 Rotary International Convention in Toronto, it was announced that Rotary is tackling an ambitious project to bring clean water and sanitation to everyone in Haiti. 

HANWASH (Haiti National Clean Water, Sanitation and Health Strategy) has started work on four pilot projects. 

To learn more about HANWASH, visit the WASRAG Stories page Hanwash-in-Haiti
Inventor of Biosand Filter Recognized 
Dr. David Manz developed the household biosand filter in the 1990s at the University of Calgary in Canada.

In October 2018, Dr. Manz was recognized by the Province of Alberta, Canada with the Alberta Order of Excellence, for his work on bringing this efficient and affordable clean water solution to thousands.
 
It is estimated that over 650,000 biosand filters are being used in over 55 countries. The installation of many of these filters was through Rotary projects using District and Global Grants.
  
Follow this link to learn more about biosand filters
Young People tackle WASH Issues 
Youth unemployment and lack of access to clean water and adequate sanitation are among the world's most pressing issues. Young Water Solutions, an NGO, has been established to empower young people (18-30 years old) from low and middle-income countries to tackle water projects in their communities. 

They are looking for Rotaract members from low and middle income countries to bring forward water project ideas that require funding. They are also looking to partner with Rotary Clubs and Districts in a Global Grant proposal.

To learn more about this new organization visit the WASRAG Stories page or visit www.youngwatersolutions.org.  
Start Planning 
As we come to the close of another year it is an opportunity to start planning for projects in early 2019, or for the President-Elects for their upcoming year. 

March 22 of each year is World Water Day. The theme this year is "Leave No One Behind". Resources for this year's theme will soon be available at  www.worldwaterday.org 

The other globally recognized day gaining some overdue awareness is Menstrual Hygiene Day - May 28. An excellent site for resources is www.menstrualhygieneday.org
Walk for Freshwater 
As a fund-raiser, a number of Districts have developed events where individuals carry water over a distance to represent what millions do every day to obtain water for their families. 

One of these water carrying walks, with some interesting twists, is being organized by the  Freshwater Project International  to raise money for clean water for schools in Malawi, Africa.

On Sunday, April 14, 2019, they will be hosting a walk at the CU South Denver-Globeology Exhibit, Parker, CO. where you can grab a water jug among elephants, giraffes and howler monkeys. 

The event will include interactive displays educating visitors on the challenges faced by Malawians due to lack of clean water. 

To learn more and register visit Walk for Freshwater.
Making YOUR Newsletter Better 
Every month the WASRAG Newsletter is opened by about 21% of the people on our distribution list. We want to do better!

We would love your suggestions! What would you like to change and what we do we need to keep? Also, we are always looking for stories on the projects clubs are doing. Send your comments and stories to the newsletter editors, Terri Black and Ian Rumbles at rumbles1@gmail.com.

Based on a recent suggestion we have added a link at the top of the newsletter so you can go directly to a web version if this email version is causing you issues. 

Back issues of the Newsletter can be found at  https://wasrag.org/page/news
Also, do not forget to check out the Stories page on the WASRAG Website.
Save the Date - May 31, 2019 
Just before the Rotary International Convention starts, WASRAG pulls together top-notch speakers for plenary, breakout, and round table discussions. On May 31, 2019 in Hamburg, Germany, World Water Summit 11 will be focusing on WASH: Achieving Lasting Impact. This is a very relevant topic especially as Rotary International places increasing emphasis on sustainability.
 
Register TODAY by going to World Water Summit 11.  
WASRAG Newsletter On-line Archive  
Back issues of the WASRAG Newsletter are stored at http://www.wasrag.org/
Calendar Of Event  
 
Mar 22, 2019 - WORLD WATER DAY
 
April 14, 2019 - Walk for Freshwater - CU South Denver, USA

April 26-28, 2019 - Latrine Workshop - Clarkston, MI, USA
 
May 28, 2019 - MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY
 
May 31, 2019 - World Water Summit 11 - Hamburg, Germany
WASH: Achieving Lasting Impact
 
Oct 15, 2019 - GLOBAL HANDWASHING DAY
 
Oct 24, 2019 - WORLD POLIO DAY
Become a WASRAG Member
Developing Best Practices, guidelines for water, sanitation, and hygiene projects; maintaining the www.WASRAG.org  website; supporting the WASRAG Professional Services Team; and creating this newsletter are some of the benefits of becoming a WASRAG member. 
 
Follow this link to Become a Member.  To  check whether your membership has expired, email Anna Shepherd .

To join the mailing list for this newsletter, follow this link to subscribe.
To submit stories and pictures for the Newsletter email:  info@wasrag.org.
The Water and Sanitation Rotarian Action Group (WASRAG) is pleased to consider partnerships with any corporate supporter. Due to the unique attributes of water sources and water provision, acceptance of corporate support does not imply an endorsement of any particular water technology. Rotarians, Rotary clubs, and Rotary partners must evaluate any technology to determine if it is the best solution for the conditions where the program will be implemented. WASRAG can provide guidance about where different technologies work best, but Rotarians and Rotary clubs must make the final decision about how to implement their programs.