The PepsiCo Foundation and Safe Water Network have launched the 80th “iJal,” or safe water station, in Vennaram village where about 4,000 people reside, in the Warangal district of Telangana.

Local water sources in parts of Warangal contain dangerous levels of fluoride and microbial contaminants leading to illness from drinking this water. Each water station purifies local ground water and provides convenient, affordable and reliable access to safe water for the entire community.

The launch of this new water station project is part of a $1.7 million grant from the PepsiCo Foundation to the Safe Water Network. By the end of 2016, PepsiCo Foundation’s support is expected to bring access to safe water to 180,000 additional people throughout India.

Starting in 2008, the PepsiCo Foundation has awarded in more than $5 million to Safe Water Network to build out the organisation’s initial operating footprint in India and Ghana.

Kurt Soderlund, CEO, Safe Water Network, in a statement said, “Today, our team has worked with communities in Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra to build 80 iJal Stations and bring affordable, reliable safe water to over 300,000 people.”

Besides providing direct funding for water stations, the PepsiCo Foundation’s support has enabled the refinement and standardisation of manuals to build and maintain iJal Stations. In addition, the PepsiCo Foundation supported the development of Safe Water Network’s iJal brand, which included a consumer messaging campaign.