Upgraded zero-waste water treatment systems in Nepal empower schools to maintain a sustainable climate-resilient solution for accessing clean water
Gravity Water Nepal installed and handed over 18 replacement filters to upgrade the older filtration system in schools of the Kavrepalanchowk district.
This upgrade will help schools with the following:
Improved water quality & health benefits
Increased access to safe drinking water
Enhanced student performance & attendance
Climate resilience & environmental benefits
Strengthened partnerships with the stakeholders
Monitoring system performance & impact
The upgraded zero-waste water treatment systems significantly enhanced water quality and health outcomes by effectively removing contaminants and reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases. As a result, students, teachers, and staff now have consistent access to safe and potable drinking water, improving overall well-being.
Access to clean water has led to higher student attendance and improved academic performance. With fewer water-related illnesses, students experience better concentration, cognitive function, and overall health, allowing them to participate more actively in their education.
This initiative has strengthened climate resilience and environmental sustainability. By integrating efficient filtration systems with rainwater harvesting, schools can better manage water scarcity, reduce dependence on external water sources, and minimize plastic waste from bottled water.
An essential element contributing to the success of this intervention has been the robust collaboration with stakeholders, local governments, and community leaders. These partnerships have guaranteed the project's long-term sustainability, with schools actively participating in system maintenance, monitoring, and awareness efforts.
To sustain long-term impact, a comprehensive monitoring system has been implemented to evaluate filtration performance, water quality, and project effectiveness. Regular water testing, system assessments, and community feedback mechanisms ensure the upgraded technology functions efficiently and continues to benefit school communities over time.
2025 brings new partnership opportunities and system upgrades
Last month, 11 new water systems were installed in Vietnam, bringing clean water to over 5,000 students, teachers, and school staff
18 new upgraded projects were completed in Nepal bringing clean water to over 5,800 students, teachers, and school staff
Six new rainwater harvesting systems were installed in Malaysia last month
Taiwan's first pilot initiative is now complete with 47 new rainwater harvesting systems impacting over 47,400 beneficiaries
Gravity Water was recognized by CTV news (Ca Mau television) and Ca Mau newspaper media coverage in Vietnam for our continued efforts to bring clean water access to their schools
Gravity Water's Executive Director and Founder, Danny Wright, visits with key stakeholders and potential new partners in Vietnam
Expanding Gravity Water's footprint in the Mekong Delta
On January 22, 2025, Gravity Water achieved a significant milestone in its mission to provide safe and sustainable water solutions in Vietnam. In partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Union of Friendship Organizations, and the Tran Hoi Commune People’s Committee, we successfully inaugurated rainwater harvesting and filtration systems in Tran Van Thoi District, Ca Mau Province.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at Nong Truong U Minh 3 Primary School marked the official handover of these essential water systems. Gravity Water's Executive Director and Founder, Danny Wright, alongside the President of the Commune People's Committee and other local leaders, celebrated this achievement, reinforcing the critical role of clean water access in supporting students, teachers, and the broader community.
This initiative is more than just infrastructure—it represents hope, resilience, and sustainability in a province heavily impacted by climate change, drought, and saline intrusion. By expanding Gravity Water’s footprint in the Mekong Delta, we are ensuring children and communities have access to safe drinking water, contributing to improved health, education, and overall well-being.
Key provincial departments met with Wright to gain deeper insights into the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) situation in Ca Mau. During discussions, provincial representatives highlighted a critical need for clean water, revealing that out of 1,049 kindergartens, primary, secondary, and high schools, only 35% have access to safe drinking water. In many areas, schools and families must purchase water for daily use, placing a significant financial burden on communities already struggling with saline water intrusion and prolonged droughts.
Recognizing the issue's urgency, provincial leaders expressed their strong support for Gravity Water’s efforts. They have committed to providing data and reports and facilitating access to communities in need, ensuring that sustainable water solutions can be effectively implemented. This collaboration underscores the meaningful impact of Gravity Water’s work and sets the foundation for long-term cooperation in addressing water security challenges in Ca Mau province.
Meeting with the Asia Society for Social Improvement & Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST)
On January 24, 2025, Gravity Water’s Founder/Executive Director, Vietnam National Director, and Southern Project Manager met with the Asia Regional Director and other Vietnamese team members of ASSIST to explore potential collaboration in water security and climate adaptation efforts in Vietnam.
ASSIST shared insights into its ongoing initiatives across Asia and Vietnam, highlighting opportunities for synergy with Gravity Water’s mission. Gravity Water introduced its work, focusing on the continued installation of upgraded rainwater harvesting and filtration systems in Ca Mau and Dien Bien, and extended an invitation for ASSIST to visit the Ca Mau project site to observe the impact firsthand. Moving forward, both organizations will continue discussions on the opportunities for joint implementation. ASSIST is currently negotiating project documentation with its donor and expressed interest in piloting water system installations in partnership with Gravity Water.
Meeting with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (JMOFA)
Gravity Water’s Founder/Executive Director, Vietnam National Director, and Southern Project Manager also met with JMOFA’s Economic Department Lead in Vietnam to explore funding opportunities and assess how Gravity Water’s projects align with JMOFA’s priorities.
The meeting provided valuable insights into JMOFA’s funding mechanisms and key proposal requirements. Gravity Water emphasized its commitment to technical excellence, sustainability, and compliance with donor guidelines, expressing strong interest in participating in upcoming funding opportunities. JMOFA provided guidance on potential areas for collaboration, and Gravity Water will continue to monitor funding announcements while exploring immediate partnership possibilities based on JMOFA’s recommendations.
Rainwater harvesting brings a sustainable solution for poor water quality in Malaysia
Gravity Water’s rainwater harvesting initiative in Kelantan, Malaysia, continues to gain momentum as the organization moves into the second phase of the project. With six additional installations completed in January, the total number of rainwater harvesting systems in the region now stands at 36, benefiting 23,752 students and teachers. This progress comes even as construction crews took time off for the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday, underscoring the team’s dedication to ensuring schools have reliable access to rainwater.
As part of this next phase, Gravity Water has set out to install 20 additional systems at schools struggling with poor water quality. Already, six of these new systems have been completed in early 2025, marking a strong start to the year. The experience gained from previous installations has led to even greater efficiency, with Water Watch Penang and the plumbing team, led by master plumber Sharul, operating with efficient coordination.
Beyond installation work, the team is also refining long-term sustainability efforts, ensuring that previously installed systems remain fully operational through regular maintenance and assessment. As the initiative advances, Gravity Water remains focused on scaling its impact—not just in Kelantan but across Malaysia. The lessons learned from this pilot phase will play a key role in informing future expansion efforts, particularly as the organization prepares for its first projects in southern Malaysia later this year.
Rainwater harvesting pilot initiative in Taiwan proves successful
As Gravity Water’s Taiwan pilot initiative nears completion, the team has successfully installed 47 of the planned 48 rainwater harvesting systems across. This milestone marks the final stage of an ambitious effort to integrate rainwater harvesting into Taiwan’s urban and educational landscapes, providing valuable insights into how such systems can support long-term water resilience.
Over the past month, the initiative has demonstrated the adaptability required to implement rainwater harvesting in Taiwan effectively. Key lessons learned include tailoring systems to meet the specific needs of each school, ensuring installations align with institutional net-zero goals, and integrating rainwater use into daily school operations. Additionally, Gravity Water has worked closely with educators at the Environmental Ethics Foundation of Taiwan to develop climate change educational materials, emphasizing Taiwan’s critical role in global climate action.
Beyond the technical aspects, this pilot initiative has underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Engaging with local government officials, environmental organizations, and corporate partners has helped to build momentum for future expansion. The initiative has also highlighted the potential for rainwater harvesting to serve as a scalable solution for urban resilience, offering a model that could be replicated across other densely populated regions facing water security challenges.
With the final installation set to be completed in the coming weeks, Gravity Water is now reflecting on the broader impact of this pilot. The team is gathering data on system performance, water savings, and community engagement to inform the next steps.
Thank you to our Gravity Water team for your contributing stories and statistics.
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