Demonstrating Wastewater Solutions

  • Our Work
  • Demonstrating Wastewater Solutions
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Decentralized Septic Systems for Marginalized Communities

IWSH works with communities to leverage the skills of the plumbing community to install septic systems that meet their specific needs. Coupled with interior plumbing repairs, installing household or community septic systems can improve water use and protect public health.

Around the world, families lack basic wastewater management that is essential to protecting their health and the environment. In many rural communities, where piped infrastructure does not exist, residents are exposed to health threats from failing septic systems, overflowing cesspools, or no sanitation services. The federal government offers these underserved communities technical assistance, resources, and funding opportunities, but there is still a lack of access to safe sanitation systems in vulnerable communities.

Social Impact Tools

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Household Plumbing Survey

The IWSH Household Plumbing Survey evaluates indoor and exterior plumbing systems and identifies where skilled plumbers can make repairs and/or upgrade fittings, fixtures, and appliances.

Developed to address water quality and efficiency issues in underserved communities, this easy-to-use survey can be completed with minimal training, opening up new volunteer opportunities while freeing up our experienced volunteers to concentrate on the technical requirements for safe plumbing repairs and upgrades.

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Entry Level Plumbing Curriculum

Many indigenous communities are underserved and under-resourced, making it difficult to access plumbing apprenticeships or secure work with qualified plumbing businesses. Recognizing the need for plumbing skills within indigenous communities, IWSH constructed a hands-on wet lab facility for Navajo Technical University.

We plan to scale this education model by offering training facility construction, curriculum input, and instructor training to provide a pathway for indigenous communities to enter the plumbing trade.

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Train-the-Trainer Program

IWSH trains knowledgeable people who can teach individuals how to use the Household Plumbing Survey©. IWSH also trains qualified instructors to teach the Entry Level Plumbing Curriculum to help educate the next wave of future plumbers.

A train-the-trainer program in development will provide materials and instructor training for the Household Plumbing Survey to instructors who are qualified to teach the Entry Level Plumbing Curriculum to pre-apprentice level students.

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Hygiene Bucket Challenge

Seeking a meaningful activation for your next event or conference? Join the IWSH Hygiene Bucket Challenge. The IWSH Hygiene Bucket Challenge helps individuals who are experiencing homelessness or cannot afford basic hygiene products. Participants assemble buckets of essential items that many take for granted, such as feminine hygiene products, face wash, clean socks, underwear, and hand soap.

IWSH is launching its first-ever Hygiene Bucket Challenge in 2024. Stay tuned!

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Sponsorship Opportunities 

How Can Your Organization Help?

Download our 2024 Program Guide 

Make a difference.
Become an IWSH volunteer.

IWSH depends on skilled and dedicated volunteers to help provide safe water and sanitation services wherever people are in need. We work hand-in-hand with local community partners and stakeholders to create life-changing experiences for all involved.

We want to hear from: Skilled tradespeople technical experts, trainers and instructors open-minded, hard-working and committed volunteers.