About Our Organization - Deep Springs International

About Us

Deep Springs International is a non-profit organization that provides a solution to the water crisis in Haiti that can be maintained without ongoing subsidy. Using a simple and affordable chlorine system, we empower individuals to provide safe water to their communities as a sustainable business. Even the poorest families can treat their water with this system, regardless of the source.

Deep Springs has been recognized by UNICEF, Save the Children, the CDC, the World Health Organization and many others. Winner of the Templeton Foundation Freedom Award for Social Entrepreneurship.

Our Mission

To improve life in developing countries by identifying and encouraging the use of affordable water purification systems, teaching the importance of proper household water treatment, and creating new business opportunities for local people.

Our Vision

To improve public health while creating jobs through an integrated and sustainable safe water program that can be scaled throughout under-served communities in developing countries.

History

2001

Jolivert Safe Water for Families established in-home water program for Haitians.
Produced Gadyden Dlo brand of liquid chlorine.

2003

MIT, Center for Disease Control, and USAID studies show effectiveness of Gadyen Dlo at reducing water-borne diseases.
Studies continued through 2005.

2006

Grove City College students and faculty launch Deep Springs.
Goal is to empower Haitians to start their own safe water enterprises to alleviate suffering.

2007

Study concludes that locally sustainable enterprises can be achieved via scaling up the Gadyen Dlo system.

2008

Deep Springs assumes management of Gadyen Dlo.

2009

Deep Springs expands program throughout Haiti, working with government, church, and nonprofit organizations.

2010

Deep Springs quickly responds to earthquake with safe water for hundreds of thousands.
Saves an estimated 3,000 lives.

2011

Deep Springs plays key role in cholera outbreak by providing bulk supplies of chlorine and systems to NGO partners.

2012

As the crises of recent years subside, now refocusing on the chronic water crisis in Haiti, and sustainable solutions.

Leadership

Deep Springs is led by a volunteer Board of Directors.

As an organization committed to sustainability and cultural effectiveness, all managers and staff in Haiti are local leaders with the exception of the National Director. Approximately 260 Haitians earn an income by selling locally-produced chlorine products.

Michael Ritter, MPH

CEO

Michael Ritter is living proof that young leaders can accomplish anything they set their minds to, with the right preparation, passion, and purpose. While still a graduate student, Michael co-founded Deep Springs International along with Dr. Timothy Mech and Ruth Entwistle of Grove City College. Starting out with a shoestring budget was no obstacle for Michael – his passion for saving lives by bringing clean water to poor Haitians was so strong that he literally operated out of his backpack for the first few years!

Mr. Ritter earned his Masters of Public Health from Emory University, and also holds a B.S. in molecular biology. He also serves as the National Director in Haiti – leading an entirely indigenous team of over 200 Haitians. As a specialist in water interventions, particularly Household Water Treatment and Storage (HWTS), he has served in leadership with U.N. Committees and presented at key health and water conferences.