Ned Breslin, the CEO of Water for People, is a leader in the Clean Water industry.  On this podcast he helps us understand the role of non-profits in providing Clean Water as well as how donors should be thinking about water.

Memorable quote from a woman in Uganda: “The broken water point is a constant reminder of my poverty.”

If you really want to help someone get clean water with your donation of $20 or $2,000, this podcast can help you insure that you will make a sustained impact.

Questions addressed:
1. Among the huge foundations and governments making investments in water systems, what does the non-profit sector have to add?  Does my donation make a difference?

Ned’s answer: yes it can make a difference.  BUT there is still a tremendous amount of wasted investment, and here are some things you need to be careful of so your donation doesn’t end up in that category…

2. Can 15 or 20 dollars really provide water for someone for life?

Instead of looking at $20 and 500,000 served last year, we need to be asking different questions.  How are the 250,000 “served” three years ago?  Is their water system still working?

3. How can you help a community see their water system as their own project?
There is no water system that you put in that will not need some future funding and maintenance.

Ned has some great insights on how to insure that villages and communities have the ability to maintain and pay for parts, build out their supply chain, and help strengthen their administrative capacity.

4. What are some mistakes that young water organizations make?
- Scattered water projects
- Feel pressure to do things fast
- If you can stop and take a breath, try to look around and see what others are doing and find your niche.

5. What should donors look for in a Water organization?

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Ned Breslin is the CEO of Water For People, a water and sanitation nonprofit that tests unique implementation models in 11 countries around the world and challenges sector norms based on sound field experiences.