The Dominican Republic, a Caribbean country, is currently facing a water crisis due to various factors, but mostly natural disasters. Often,  hurricanes and tropical storms damage crops and sewage systems, resulting in bacterial contamination of pipelines with feces and animal carcasses contaminating water tanks. This contamination leads to a toxic mixture of water, dirt, and animal materials that the community ingests. Furthermore, the ongoing climate crisis exacerbates the situation, increasing the frequency of natural disasters, including hurricanes, every year.

 

According to the World Resources Institute, the Dominican Republic is one of the most water-stressed countries in the Caribbean due to limited water resources and high demand for water from agriculture, tourism, and urban areas. The climate crisis also increases the frequency and severity of droughts, leading to food security and economic losses for farmers.

 

Wine to Water's Dominican Republic office started as an emergency relief effort after the 2010 catastrophic earthquake in the region. Since then, our work has grown exponentially, and we collaborate with a master ceramicist who creates environmentally friendly water filters. We have a thriving Water4Schools program and continually introduce new clean water technology, such as wells, pipelines, and more, into new communities.

 

Access to clean and safe water is crucial for communities. With access to water, women and children don't spend hours collecting water, which frees up time for agriculture and education. Women can also take on more significant roles in their communities, and waterborne illnesses are reduced, leading to a myriad of benefits.