

DePaul University and Water is Life partner to provide Native Americans with access to clean water; fund-raise via bake sale and social networks FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



CHICAGO – A group of students from DePaul University have partnered with the International Charity, Water is Life, to create sustainable change and improvements to the Navajo Nation's water dilemma. As of right now, the Navajo Nation represents one of the worst food and water deserts in America. Over the next 6 weeks, this group plans to raise $20,000 to implement The SunSpring - a solar & wind powered water treatment system that can produce 5,000 gallons of clean water per day.



While the population has always struggled with access to running water, clean water has now become a concern among the population. Abandoned Gold mines have jeopardized the Animas River, a water source for thousands living in the Navajo Nation. The SunSpring will be installed at a school near this river source that will enable access to clean water. Locals around the area can confidently go to this location to refill their empty water canteens without worrying about water pollution. The SunSpring also has the ability to provide clean drinking water without a power source, which makes it an affordable and sustainable option for mitigating the Navajo Nation's water crisis.



Water is Life has successfully implemented clean water projects around the world. While their focus has been in countries, such as Haiti and Kenya, they are now turning their eyes to a needy population right here is the United States, just 100 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Water is Life will play a key role in implementing and maintaining the SunSpring if the funds are raised to implement it in the Navajo Nation.



This Navajo Clean Water Project was launched by students Kevin Sofen, Daniel Morgan, Caitlin Fuller, Jing Zhang, and Monica Gorecki. They are partnering with Ken Surritte, of the organization Water is Life, to get this project off the ground. Please visit our donation sites and Facebook page to learn more about the cause and lend your support.



The Navajo Clean Water Project’s goals:

The primary goal is to raise $20,000 to implement a SunSpring in the Navajo Nation. If our goal is not met, alternative goals include providing a $5,000 Permaculture “food desert” water reservoir, which implements swails to capture water run off during scarce rainfalls and plant trees to harvest the minimal rain water. This enables the natural water cycle to recharge local aquifers. These easy solutions will further promote water and food security to create an oasis in the Navajo Nation. In a few years this will result in an abundance of fruits, nuts and vegetables and new springs of fresh water.

