Our Work

Through Samaritan’s Purse BioSand Water Filter projects, we are providing communities access to safe drinking water through household BioSand Water Filters. Since 1998, our teams and local partners have installed more than 104,000 filters in homes, communities, schools, and clinics, bringing improved water to an estimated 832,000 individuals worldwide. Recipients of the filters are trained in how to use and maintain the filters, as well as basic health and hygiene practices.

We have BioSand Water Filter projects around the world, including in Africa, where two out of every five people lack access to a safe water supply.

Of households that have BioSand Water Filters in their homes, 85 per cent of surveyed report they would be drinking water from contaminated sources if not for the filter.

What is a BioSand Water Filter?

The BioSand Water Filter is an award-winning Canadian water filtration technology developed by Dr. David Manz, a former University of Calgary professor. BioSand Water Filters are an adaptation of slow-sand filtration, designed for use at the household level. The filter removes water-borne bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other organisms that cause diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and amoebic dysentery. The filter also strains out the particles and organic matter that cause cloudiness, unpleasant taste, colour, and odour.

Filters can be built on location with local materials. The exterior is made of concrete, with gravel and sand layered inside. Rain, surface, or ground water is poured through the top and filtered as it passes through the layers of sand and gravel. The sand filters 1 litre of water per minute, enough to provide an entire family with sufficient water for their daily drinking, cooking, cleaning, and hygiene needs.

Ways You Can Help
Pray Please pray that God will continue to provide direction to Samaritan’s Purse, as we respond to people’s needs, share the love of Christ, and serve the church worldwide.		Give The need is urgent. A child is dying every 20 seconds in the developing world from diarrhoeal diseases caused by polluted water. Donate Here.