A Vision For Clean Water

Sanitation and water testing workshop February 2-5, 2012

2011-12-18T18:43:00.000-05:00

AVFCW has received a grant reduce the cost of our next 4-day sanitation and water testing workshop. The CAWST training will be held in Clarkston, Michigan from February 2-5, 2012 and the cost including room and board is $500. You can learn more at http://avisionforcleanwater.org.

2011-07-21T14:04:00.008-05:00

A Short History of AVFCW
o Short history of your project: What first motivated you to start a water project? What was your first step? In 2002, founders of A Vision for Clean Water, John and Eileen Heasley, saw the dire need for clean water when they visited their son in Nepal. With the help of MIT students they provided two filters to an orphanage then quickly learned that to make their project sustainable, they needed more training. They attended the CAWST biosand filter training and founded AVFCW.

o What does the project look like now, and how did it grow to where it is today? Our mission today is to bring safe drinking water and sanitation to the poorest in the world. To offer support and encouragement to others who share this mission. We conduct yearly training for those interested in household filters, sanitation or rainwater harvesting and have helped train over 100 others.. We continue to work in Nepal and have provided filters and more to 9 villages and over 30 schools there.

o Summary of activities: What project activities take up most of your time? How do you involve the end users? How did CAWST support your work? Most of our time is spent educating others abut filters. We have hosted CAWST training here in Michigan and provided training to over 100 who want to work with household filters of rainwater harvesting in developing countries. Our next training will be a sanitation workshop in February, 2012. Our end users are the participants who have gone to over 15 developing countries ready for the challenges they will face. We continue to answer their questions and connect them with CAWST experts.
We continue to work in Nepal by partnering with Rotary International, ENPHO (Environmental and Public Health Organization) other groups to provide Kanchan Arsenic and ceramic filters or toilets to villages and schools. The end users receive quarterly hygiene training for one year but also important for them they have built an ongoing relationship with ENPHO that sometimes gives them other opportunities for more help like toilets.
CAWST has strongly supported our efforts. Their technical help is outstanding. Those working in the field are fast and efficient with their technical advice. They have provided excellent and experienced trainers for the workshops.
o Outcomes: What aspect of the project are you most proud of? What has the project achieved so far? We are most proud of the way we have leveraged our experiences in Nepal to help over 100 others do similar work in developing countries.
o Challenges: What were the biggest challenges you faced? What challenges do you think you will face in the future? We are all volunteers. We face the challenge of a small budget. In the future, we face the challenge to grow in a way that is sustainable.
o Lessons Learned: What have you learned from the experience? What advice would you have for other implementers? In everything we do we are flexible. We ask our end users what they want and need. We primarily learned that users must be vested in the project for it to be successful. They must ask to participate, spend time training and they must contribute something to the project for it to be successful.
o Plans for the future: Where do you see the project in one year? In five years?We plan to use this year to plan and have already had two planning sessions. From these sessions we can say what will come in the next five years.

Biosand Filter Workshop a Success

2011-06-08T14:18:00.005-05:00

The 2011 "Implementing the Biosand Filter Workshop" was a great success. Seventeen participants attended the workshop in October, 2011 from as far as Washington State. They studied a variety of safe water technologies, learned about sanitation, discussed appropriate hygiene technologies and actually made a concrete biosand filter. Emilie Sanmartin from CAWST conducted the training. AVFCW expects the next workshop will include water testing and sanitation. Look for more details to come.

Local school students make pictographs for project

2011-01-22T14:11:00.005-05:00

High school students from Troy and Novi Rotary Interact clubs in Michigan met with John and Eileen Heasley and volunteers to learn about biosand filters.

The students plan to make pictograph directions to accompany the written directions given to those receiving a filter 2011 Ecuador Water Filter Project.

Epidemiologist Erica Gwynn organized the project. Erica worked in Mexico as part of a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship in 2007-8. Erica explained that during that year, it was the young people that made her project a success and they continue to implement her changes. Now that she has returned, she wants to motivate our young people to help bring safe drinking water to those in most need.

The four-hour workshop began with a discussion about the benefits of the biosand filter and how it works. The group then spent time sifting sand and gravel to actually commission a filter. Interactors were excited about the project. They learned more about how the biosand filter works and met new friends to work with them on the project.

2011-01-17T13:56:00.001-05:00

From October 10-13, 2010, 17 people participated in A Vision for Clean Water’s annual Biosand Filter Workshop held in Clawson, Michigan. Attendees came from Mexico, California, Oregon, Washington DC, Michigan, Canada and more. The excitement ran high as they learned about the many water related issues creating illness in many countries, and shared their own potential projects and challenges.
The four-day workshop was filled with learning, hands-on and challenges to complete the packed agenda. Daytime sessions were complemented with evening programs including films, discussions, as well as workshop graduates and other speakers who have worked to improve water in several countries. Class members, trainer and A Vision for Clean Water founders Eileen and John Heasley (who organized and assisted with the session), appear in the photo below with the concrete biosand filter the class constructed during the workshop.
Two participants are returning to Tanzania where they are planning a village water project. The team attending from Mexico is working to change government policies regarding household filter guidelines in that country. The group going to Ecuador has already been approved for a grant to provide concrete biosand filters there. We are looking forward to the next workshop which will be held in Clarkston from April 14-18, 2011 in Clarkston, Michigan

Help given to stop cholera in Nepal

2010-03-16T02:23:00.001-05:00

The newly founded Metro Detroit Rotaract Club –the service club founded by Dustin Tierney following his trip to Nepal in 2008- received an email from the Kathmandu Mid-Town Rotaractors to help prevent the spread of cholera in Nepal. It had been two years the last case was reported in Nepal but 300 deaths were reported. The cure is to give hygiene education to the villagers and bottles of chlorine. Dr Tuladhar reported back that 8657 vials of chlorine were packaged by the youth volunteers.

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop in Troy

2009-08-20T15:00:00.002-05:00

DATE: September 19, 2009
COST: $15, doors open at 8:00 a.m.
TIME: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Boys and Girls Club of Troy
3670 John R Rd
Troy, MI 48083

Sponsored by A Vision for Clean Water and Rotary Club of Troy, MI

For more information contact:eheasley@avisionforcleanwater.org

This workshop offers basic instruction on the concept and technology of rain water harvesting for domestic use and how it fits into the overall picture of appropriate rural and urban water supply in developing countries. An overview will also be given on the application and implications of rainwater harvesting for us here in the greater Detroit area. Topics to be addressed include the following:
• rainwater quality
• water supply and demand
• rain water harvesting technology
• basic construction, operation and maintenance of roof and ground catchments
• social, economic and environmental considerations

Pittsburgh Supporters Raise Money for AVFCW

2009-04-27T14:39:00.003-05:00

Our Pittsburgh supporters are working very hard for AVFCW. On May 3rd they are running a relay marathon in the name of our technical advisor and dedicated volunteer-Nick Sulfaro. Thank you Sally Sulfaro-Woller, Ken Woller, Donna Terwilliger and Steve Cratty for participating in this event.

September 15-18 Biosand Filter Workshop

2009-01-15T12:51:00.006-05:00

A Vision for Clean Water has scheduled the next biosand filter training for September 15-18, 2009. This workshop will offer instruction and hands-on experience for participants in the construction of all components of the filter, including concrete containers, sand media, diffuser basins and lids. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the rationale behind the filter design, how to install it and how to instruct householders on its correct usage. The training will be conducted by CAWST.
This workshop will include modules on the fundamentals of water epidemiology, household water treatment alternatives, and alternate water sources. A proper understanding of these program elements is essential for the correct application of biosand filters. Other topics to be introduced include sanitation, hygiene, water quality testing and the global impact of clean water.
Content
Theory: water issues, pathogens, disease transmission, household water treatment technology options and designs, water storage and hygiene.
Practical: construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the biosand filter.
Implementation: model, requirements for a successful HWT program, developing a basic project plan including next steps after the workshop. Half of the workshop will be spent ‘getting dirty’ constructing and commissioning a concrete Biosand filter!

The cost is $500. Space is limited. We have sold out other years. For more information contact Eileen Heasley eheasley@wideopenwest.com or call 248-689-5634.

2009-01-15T12:45:00.004-05:00

Since 2003, in Nepal, over 10,000 individuals have received safe drinking water using Kanchan Biosand or SBL Ceramic Filters. We have donated filters to over 40 schools and built two toilets. In 2009, working with the Kathmandu- Midtown Rotaracts, ENPHO, and others, we are planning to target three villages in one section of the Kathmandu Valley. As we donate, we plan to fill in the gap between these villages until an entire section of the Kathmandu Valley has safe drinking water. We involve the schools, pre and post test the water, and use microfinancing to help individuals pay their portion of the cost. Our filter manufacturer undergos a monthly random testing procedure to ensure consistency and quality.

Board Members Visit Nepal

2008-11-17T12:40:00.007-05:00

Board members John Heasley, Eileen Heasley and Kay Sulfaro visited Kathmandu to evaluate the existing projects and begin others.

The women’s organization has made a big difference this year. AVFCW now has a system in place to determine which families are most in need, how villagers can pay their portion of the filter costs and who from the village women can help with the hygiene awareness and evaluation.

Since last year, over 500 more families now receive safe drinking water. In one of the first villages AVFCW has supplied Kanchan Biosand Filters to all, repaired the existing pump, and built a new toilet with pump for the school. AVFCW also provided 4 new villages with SBL Ceramic Filters. WaterAid has followed the lead in some of the villages and provided over 100 toilets to the same households.

Since AVFCW began, over 10,000 individuals have received safe drinking water and over 300 children now have proper sanitation in school.

2008-05-16T13:11:00.001-05:00

The villages of Johor Mahankali, Tokha, Dharmasthali in the Kathmandu Valley each received ninety-one filters using a donation from Rotary International District 6380. The water was tested to find which filters were appropriate. It was determined that SBL (Solutions Benefiting Life) ceramic filter costing $7 each and Kanchan TM Biosand Filters costing $32 each were most suitable. The women’s association helped decide the amount each family would pay, which filter would be used and microbanking was established. The local schools participated in the hygiene awareness. The Rotarians worked closely with the villages during delivery, hygiene and filter training and followed-up with the villagers.

CAWST gives biosand training in Michigan

2008-03-13T12:26:00.005-05:00

Members from Engineers Without Borders, Rotarians, missionaries, and other concerned individuals have come together to learn about implementing household water treatment projects to help address this global issue. They focused on the cement biosand filter which they constructed themselves from inexpensive and simple materials such as concrete, sand and gravel. The biosand filter is effective in removing pathogens and providing improved water supply to those without safe water.

Calgary-based Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST) conducted the technical training and consulting services, and acts as a catalyst to make water and sanitation projects a reality for the poorest of the poor in the developing world.
Bob Johnson took the training last year and returned to tell the group how he started a biosand filter business and rainwater retention project in Rwanda. Attendees will take their training to Mexico, Kenya, Senegal, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.

Biosand Filter Training in Troy Michigan

2007-12-09T13:50:00.002-05:00

Biosand Filter Workshop will be held in Troy, Michigan from 8 AM ro 4 PM February 20-24, 2008. Learn about household water filtration for rural and developing communities and become certified to train others. Construct a concrete BioSand filter with your own hands! This workshop is for anyone interested in household water treatment in developing countries. The instructors are Rotarians certified by CAWST and the inventor Dr. David Manz. Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to build and install the filter correctly, and to instruct others on its correct operation and maintenance. Half of the workshop will be spent ‘getting dirty’ constructing and commissioning a concrete BioSand filter! The cost is $250. We must have your registration form and payment in advance. For more information contact Eileen Heasley eheasley@wideopenwest.com or call 248-689-5634.

2007-11-25T16:08:00.000-05:00

Four AVFCW board members, traveling at their own expense, visited Kathmandu to initiate a water project in the village of Chobhar, Nepal. Local businessman Theo Steinert initiated the project to help the community with water-related problems.

ENPHO (Environmental and Public Health Organization) agreed to partner in the project and Rajesh Adhikari tested the Chobhar water sources and found that it was unsafe to drink. He suggested appropriate household filters. First pressure will be put on local government to improve the existing water source. Knowing that education is key to any long-term changes, school lofficials were recruited to teach hygiene awareness and water safety. Sundeep Karki, a Nepali with extensive experience in Chobhar, agreed to act as Project Coordinator in direct contact with village people and the Chobhar Community in general. More about the project will be posted as it is revealed to the villagers.

Kathmandu Midtown Rotary Kanchan Filter Project

2007-08-24T00:22:00.001-05:00

Kathmandu Midtown Rotary Kanchan Filter Project: Forty-five schools and homes now have Kanchan Filters. All donations are sent from the Troy Rotary Foundation to Kathmandu Midtown Rotary. Assistant District Governor Dr. Chandra Lekha Tuladhar is working with the Kathmandu Rotaracts to oversee the project. John and Eileen Heasley talk to Rotary clubs in the USA and Canada and send donations to the Kathmandu Rotary.

Networking fundraiser

2007-04-23T01:04:00.000-05:00

On April 19, a women’s networking fundraiser was held at the home of board member, Jeannette Saquet. All proceeds went to scholarships for BioSand filter workshops.

BioSand Filter Workshop in April, 2007

2007-04-06T10:50:00.000-05:00

A Vision for Clean Water provided a training workshop for individuals and organizations that serve the poor in developing countries. The trainers, John and Eileen Heasley, have been certified by both CAWST (http://cawst.org ) and Dr. Manz the inventor of the BioSand Filter. The curriculum covered the theory, technical skills, hands-on learning and plenty of interaction that participants need to plan, implement or actively participate in a water and sanitation program in a developing country. Participants attending the workshop will take this information to Haiti, India, Rwanda, Honduras, and Ecuador.

Kathmandu Mid-Town Rotaracts and Troy Rotarians adopt a village in Nepal.

2006-12-07T17:06:00.000-05:00

Troy Rotary, working with the Kathmandu Mid-Town Rotaracts, have decided to take their Kanchan Filter Project one step further and adopt a village of 22 households on the outskirts of Nepal. The water-related project began in 2003 by providing BioSand filters and hygiene awareness in the Kathmandu Valley. Over 40 Kanchan filters have been donated to schools, homes, and orphanages since that time.

The proposed village project will be partially financed by Rotary Clubs in the USA and Canada. Working with the villagers, the Rotaracts in Kathmandu oversee the placement of filters, toilets, chimneys, and manage the project. All are volunteers. They are expanding the project first by providing five BioSand Filters to households to create a demand in the village. When neighbors ask about the filters, more will be provided but only if they are cleaned and used properly. The villagers must either pay a portion of the cost or work to complete the projects. The school will be the hub of the project with a focus on hygiene awareness. Gradually, the Rotarians hope to repair the wells, provide toilets for the school, and ventilate the homes, and showcase this village as a model to be repeated.

Troy Rotarians offer biosand training

2006-08-01T14:40:00.001-05:00

Working with Rotary District 6380, John and Eileen Heasley conduct biosand filter training for large and small groups in Troy, Michigan. John and Eileen received their training in 2001 by CAWST. In 2006, they took an additional certification from Dr. David Manz inventor of the biosand filter. They expect to conduct another training in December 2006.

What is the BioSand Filter?

2006-04-20T13:25:00.000-05:00

April 20, 2006

The BioSand filter works in the same way as traditional slow sand water filters, which have been used for centuries. The difference is that the BioSand filter is smaller, and water does not need to flow through it all the time. The filter can be built anywhere in the world because it is built using materials that are available. It is simply a concrete container, with layers of sand and gravel inside it. The sand and gravel remove dirt, bacteria, viruses and parasites and other impurities from the water.
How does it work?
Water is poured into the top of the filter whenever it is needed. There is a diffuser plate placed just above the sand bed that absorbs the shock of the falling water so it does not disturb the sand. Traveling slowly through the sand bed, the water then passes through several layers of gravel and collects in a pipe at the bottom of the filter. It is then pushed up through plastic piping that is encased in the concrete, and out of the filter, for the user to collect.

2006-04-18T14:19:00.000-05:00

April 10, 2006

Leper Community Toilet Project:
$2,300 was donated by the Birmingham Michigan Rotary and a toilet was built by the lepers in Nepal. It has been completed and will be checked personally in the fall.

BioSand Filter Training:
In February 2006, the Heasleys took a 5-day training seminar under Dr. David Manz the inventor of the BioSand filter to update the training they received from CAWST in 2003. Dr. Manz is in the beginning stages of mass-producing a plastic version of the BioSand water filter. The goal is to make it affordable to ship large quantities anywhere in the world. John and Eileen conducted a training class in April, 2006 teaching BioSand filter facilitators to individuals going to Mali Africa, Ghana, and Mexico. This was sponsored by Rotary International District 6380. The first training was in November 2005 when 15 Rotary members participated.

Travel:
The Heasleys are speaking at the 6380 District Conference in Kalamazoo in May. 2006. In October, John and Eileen plan to return to Nepal and personally check the filters and toilet, take pictures, visit Rotary clubs, study rainwater harvesting, and meet others interested in water issues in Nepal. They expect to come home with new projects in the fall. They will pay all their own travel costs.