Lifewater International

We are Christians providing access to safe water, and improved sanitation and hygiene, one village at a time. Safe water for every child, a healthy home for every family, and the love of Christ for all. Affirming the vision of our founder, William A. Ashe—Lifewater believes every child and family deserves access to safe water and seeks to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world’s most marginalized communities. We are compelled by the great commission (Matthew 28) to serve the least, the lost, and the last. We currently work in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Cambodia.

Our History

In 1962, Lifewater Founder and water pump business owner, Bill Ashe, visits Mexico, where he fixes windmill hand pumps at an orphanage. 1968, Bill began ministry with his family and friends in Baja California, Mexico, working obediently and humbly to alleviate suffering in poor communities.

Over the years, using momentum and local knowledge to maximize impact, Lifewater adopts a regional program strategy aimed to serve tens of thousands of people with safe water and improved sanitation and hygiene. In 2015, Lifewater launches its first field offices in Ethiopia and Uganda, using local staff with real-time data monitoring to help implement the Vision of a Healthy Village strategy. And one year later, Lifewater celebrates the first “Healthy Home” (in Ethiopia), the building blocks of long-term regional transformation that begins one family at a time.

Our Mission

We are Christians providing access to safe water, and improved sanitation and hygiene, one village at a time.

Our Values

Christ Centered – We join His redemption story already at work among the people we serve. Child Focused – We believe every child should have access to safe water. Sustainable – We approach global problems with local solutions for a lasting impact. Curious – We are inquisitive thinkers, eager to learn, explore, grow, and innovate.

What We Do

Lifewater’s grassroots approach to solving the global water and sanitation crisis is called “Vision of a Healthy Village.” It operates from the belief that real, lasting change takes all of us—donors, local communities, and Lifewater staff—working in partnership with one another so that no one is left behind.

Faith in Action: We believe in serving the vulnerable in word and deed. That’s why, alongside our water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) work, we partner with local ministries to start bible studies, plant churches, distribute bibles, and more. Lifewater serves all people regardless of religion, listening first and walking alongside community members as neighbors.

Remote Locations: We serve in hard-to-reach places where families are most vulnerable to waterborne illnesses. We pursue the least and the last. WASH: When combined, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices can nearly eliminate waterborne diseases and water-related deaths. Lifewater staff walking alongside community members to help them adopt these habits.

Sustainability: Real change happens when communities actively participate. We work on local and regional levels to create change that lasts. Impact Assessment: We measure, analyze, and report results each week to ensure our activities are making a transformative impact. With constant assessment, we can pivot quickly when needed. Appropriate Safe Water Technology: We construct long-lasting safe water solutions that utilize local ingenuity, safe water needs, and supplies that community leaders can access.

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