Dominican Republic Project Profile
Quick Facts
Capital: Santo Domingo
Population: 8,862,000
Access to Improved Sanitation:
Key Information: The Dominican Republic is located on the island of Hispaniola. Dominican culture has strong influences from spanish colonist who arrived in the 15th century. Haiti’s culture is primarily a result of French influence and slavery. This dynamic has caused cultural tension in the past.
WTW’s Impact: Over 80,000 people have been reached with clean water.
Water Solutions Used: Ceramic Water Filtration
Background
The Dominican Republic has made great strides in water access and improved sanitation in recent decades, but much work is still left to be done. Many rural areas have little to no access to clean water.
10 years ago Lisa Ballantine and Filter Pure teamed up to establish a ceramic water filter factory. This factory was created and dedicated to provide clean water to the people of the Dominican Republic. In early 2015, Wine To Water assumed operations of the factory in Higuerito, Dominican Republic. This factory produces filters that ensure its recipients receive water that is 99.99% free of bacteria and other deadly pathogens, which would cause numerous waterborne illnesses to those who consume it.
In addition to this factory, Wine To Water manages volunteer service programs that promote clean water projects across the Dominican Republic. These service trips promote ceramic water filtration distribution and sales.
Wine To Water’s Impact
Since the factory’s inception, over 80,000 people have received clean water through the manufacturing and distribution of ceramic water filters. Ground operations continue to grow as we strive to reach those in need.
Water Solutions Used
Ceramic Water Filtration: Our ceramic filters in the Dominican republic are very effective. Each filter, made from clay and sawdust, are fired. This process burns the sawdust creating tiny mirco-pores in the ceramic membrane that only clean water can pass through. Colloidal silver, a natural antibiotic, is also mixed into the clay to protect against viruses and bacteria.
Each filter can provide drinking water for up to five people for five years, reducing illness and greatly the improving quality of life for those who receive it.
