India's water crisis leaves around 76 million people without reliable access to safe drinking water. The country's challenge is aggravated by polluted water sources and inadequate municipal systems, which expose communities to waterborne illnesses. Alarmingly, more than 146,000 children under five die each year from diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia. Although the Indian government’s Jal Jeevan Mission tackles water accessibility on a national scale, the enormity of the issue necessitates additional support from private and local groups.
Naandi Community Water Services, a prominent social enterprise launched in 2010 by Naandi Foundation and Danone Communities, is helping to alleviate this crisis. The organization targets underserved regions by setting up decentralized Community Water Centers in areas with high contamination levels, with the goal of providing clean drinking water to those most in need.
What distinguishes Naandi Water’s model is its grassroots strategy, which melds technical know-how with substantial community participation. These centers are operational round-the-clock, supplying not just clean water but also encouraging sanitation and hygiene habits within the community. By collaborating with governmental bodies, corporations, and individuals, Naandi Water enhances its impact through sector-wide partnerships.
Effects on Communities
Naandi Water has significantly impacted communities since its start, establishing Community Water Centers across 696 villages in seven Indian states and benefiting over 880,000 people. These centers meet IS 10500 standards to ensure superior water quality, thereby substantially decreasing waterborne diseases, especially among children. Besides improving health, Naandi Water boosts local Panchayats with training, creating jobs and encouraging a sense of community stewardship.
A key feature of Naandi Water’s approach is its sustainability, driven by strong community involvement. After seven years of operation, 330 centers have been successfully transferred to local ownership. Remarkably, five years post-transfer, 78% of these centers remain fully functional, highlighting Naandi Water’s investment in building community awareness around water quality and empowering Panchayats with the training and resources needed to manage the centers sustainably. Additionally, Naandi Water provides free water to schools, enhancing student hydration, while a dedicated school water fund ensures that even the most remote schools receive clean water for less than Rs. 1 per child daily.
Future Endeavors
Guided by CEO Divya, Naandi Water is set to broaden its reach by opening more Community Water Centers, prioritizing enduring sustainability and community empowerment. Aiming to enhance access to clean water in educational institutions, Naandi Water is also committed to advancing hygiene education, which in turn could improve school attendance and health outcomes.
As Naandi Water progresses, its work supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6—ensuring universal access to safe drinking water. Through its pioneering, community-focused model, Naandi Water envisions a future where clean water access is widespread across India, lifting communities and changing lives.
