FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF THE PROGRAMS?
260 = Haitians earning an income via the Enterprise Model
3,000 = Estimated lives saved
325,000 = Haitians currently receiving safe water & monitoring
2,000,000 = Total served by Deep Springs to date
503,000,000 = Liters of water purified by our efforts
HOW CAN YOU VERIFY THE RESULTS OF THE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM?
In a 2010 UNICEF study, 81% of water samples which did not meet WHO (World Health Org.) standards before treatment did meet standards after treatment.
HOW MUCH OF MY DONATION GOES TO FUNDRAISING COSTS?
Only 3% (per 2012 audit)
HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY DONATION WILL BE USED TO HELP THOSE SUFFERING IN HAITI?
Deep Springs is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. All financial statements are audited and made public, along with our federal 990 reports.
WHY IS HOME WATER TREATMENT NECESSARY IF THE COMMUNITY HAS A WELL OR OTHER GOOD WATER SOURCE?
First of all, 54% of Haitians get water from “unimproved sources” (rivers, springs, unprotected wells) and that water is most certainly contaminated. But even when the water comes from an “improved source” (well, covered spring, community system, etc.) the water can be contaminated during transport and/or during storage in the home. Home treatment is the only way to assure that the water is safe when consumed.
WHY DO YOU SELL THE CHLORINE TO THE POOR INSTEAD OF GIVING IT TO THEM?
During emergencies like the 2010 earthquake and the 2011 cholera outbreak, we were in “relief mode” and we did donate and distribute large quantities of chlorine to communities across Haiti. However, to help developing countries like Haiti become independent of aid, and to foster dignity which comes with being self-sufficient, we make every effort to make the products affordable for even the poorest of the poor. We also educate them about the dangers of unsafe water so they will learn that their family’s health is worth this small investment. When not combating a major disaster, this enterprise approach is also sustainable, assuring that communities will have a constant supply of treatment systems and chlorine for years to come.
HOW DOES DEEP SPRINGS COLLABORATE WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS?
Whenever there are areas of mutual interest, we make every effort to cooperate and collaborate with churches, other nonprofit groups and government entities.