Frequently Asked Questions
How is the cost per person served number calculated?
Because Water Mission is committed to providing sustainable safe water solutions, we have done extensive analysis to understand the total life-cycle costs associated with providing safe water. Although the costs associated with setting up hardware (such as pumps and pipes) are important, other recurring costs are also considered. Water Mission’s cost calculations account for our holistic approach to providing sustainable, safe water solutions, including assessment, community mobilization, installation; safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) training; and monitoring and evaluation.
In addition, our Living Water program costs vary by country, while still ensuring that the gospel is integrated into everything we do. We empower the local church to develop a strategic plan, as they effectively proclaim the gospel while incorporating biblical perspectives when responding to community needs.
Is Water Mission’s cost per person served higher than costs reported by other WASH NGOs?
Because our costs include all aspects of our holistic approach, including sharing the Living Water message of Jesus Christ, this provides a higher level of service. Our costs are not easily compared to those provided by other groups.
If $50 is the average cost per person served, does that mean that sometimes it costs more or less?
Because every place that Water Mission works is unique, each community is provided a safe water solution tailored to its unique circumstances. Our customized solutions vary in cost based on:
- Logistics, such as location and distance from our country office. Safe water solutions and providing Living Water activities for communities in the Peruvian Amazon can cost more than $100 per person, for example. The higher cost is because many of the communities have fewer than 500 people and require long, extended boat travel.
- Available water sources (e.g., existing wells versus the need to drill to find water), water quality, and distribution needs. In Malawi, for example, accessing water sources is often easier than elsewhere. This means we can provide safe water solutions for around $30 per person served.
- Economic factors globally and locally. Supply chain constraints and inflation can impact the cost to provide safe water and the Living Water message of Jesus Christ to one person. Water Mission regularly assesses these variable influences on cost and adjusts so that projects are done efficiently and with excellence.
- Community population, geography, and unique needs. Projects in rural communities incur higher costs because fewer people are spread across a larger geographical area. Fewer residents also means that it will take longer to save money for operating costs and maintenance, so the community may need support for a lengthier time than a large community with active central leadership.
On average, across all our country programs, $50 can provide safe water and the Living Water message of Jesus Christ for one person. Why is a gift to Water Mission a good investment?
Water Mission builds best-in-class WASH solutions with the goal of investing in the future of a community rather than simply addressing immediate needs. In addition, through our Living Water program, we respond to the full needs of an individual, including their spiritual well-being. We are dedicated to maximizing investments by working to continually use cost-effective methods, while also providing financial accountability and transparency. We strive toward developing sustainable programs that will serve people for years to come. Charity Navigator has awarded Water Mission its top four-star rating for 15 consecutive years, a distinction shared by only 1% of charities rated by the organization.
What does the Living Water program at Water Mission provide?
At Water Mission, our Living Water program is strategically designed to:
- Equip church leaders with the sound biblical knowledge, skills, and mentorship they need to effectively proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and make life-long disciples.
- Empower the local church to help meet their community’s specific physical and spiritual needs.
- Support the local church to build up new disciples.
- Monitor program effectiveness by using data and adapting implementation strategies to address the unique challenges of each community.
Do you only serve certain people through Water Mission?
We aim to honor and serve the Lord by building safe water solutions according to our core values of love, excellence, and integrity. Water Mission is committed to serving everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or faith.