The effectiveness of WeWater is characterized by various points. On the one hand, we work with innovative filter technology which provides a high degree of retention against bacteria and viruses. Thanks to our know-how, we can also adapt the filters individually to each project situation and purchase this technology at cost price. This enables us to effectively achieve a lot with your donations.

Unlike other filtration systems, the filter technology we use does not require chemical cleaning, but can be easily cleaned by people on site at intervals of approx. half a year using conventional methods. This enables us to maintain the effectiveness of the filter performance for as long as possible.

Our projects always go hand in hand with educating the affected people about hygiene, handling water in general and the technology we provide. Our goal is to ensure that the involved people receive a broader knowledge of hygiene and the optimal use of water as a resource. The aim is to prevent diseases in the future, to provide people with drinking water for as long as possible and to create incentives among the population to develop their own ideas for dealing with a lack of drinking water and water hygiene, and, therefore, helping people to help themselves.

We want to show our donors that we value the trust they place in us, that we handle donations with care and that we live up to the social purpose of donations. The Bank für Sozialwirtschaft offered us good conditions for this. It has been active in the social economy sector for many years and only supports selected organizations. In addition, it makes donations very easy by providing a tool that makes donations as uncomplicated and secure as possible.

The filter works with a cleaning membrane that retains bacteria and particles, but allows water and substances dissolved in water (for example salts) to pass through. A layer is formed on the membrane with the residues. Inside the filter plate the clean water flows to the outlet. Since we work with a very low filtration pressure – 20 cm is already sufficient -, the dirt is not pressed into the membrane, but adheres loosely to the surface. At some point an equilibrium is formed: some of the deposited substances come off, some remain on the membrane. The water-permeable top layer formed in this way is even desired because it additionally improves the water quality. This even allows viruses to be retained.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to answer this question in a few words. To do this, the term “drinking water” must be defined. The associated regulations vary from country to country. In Germany this is regulated by the Drinking Water Ordinance. It contains a multitude of parameters that can be implemented in a waterworks, but not in emergency and crisis situations. So the clear answer is: No, according to German standards it is not drinking water quality.
However, for people without access to a drinking water network, the main question is how to reduce the risk of illness caused by bacteria or viruses. In this respect, the Drinking Water Ordinance should be the quality standard. We therefore rely on a two-stage disinfection. First with a membrane that acts as a barrier to pathogens and then with a secondary disinfection with a photocatalytic reaction.

The filter can remove all particles and bacteria, but no substances dissolved in the water. If pesticides were in the water source or other dissolved substances such as arsenic, these substances would still be detectable in the water after filtration. However, the photocatalytic stage can degrade organic impurities in low concentrations. We are therefore planning to use a third treatment step with activated carbon as an option. For example, pesticides or heavy metals could then be removed from the water, which we currently only reduce in low concentrations by photocatalytic treatment.

The AQQA-bag can be disposed of as plastic at the end of its lifespan (approx. 6 months). It would also be conceivable to clean and reuse the filter, but this would require competent on-site operation. The future will show whether this concept can be implemented.

The AQQA cube has a longer lifespan. Single membrane plates can be replaced if needed.

The plastic film of the AQQA-bag contains softeners. We are working on possibilities to converting the film to “BPA-free” in the future.

The AQQA-Cube and the AQQA-system do not contain any softeners.

This question does not arise for people who become ill without using filtrated water. But, where there is a supply of bottled water in plastic bottles, the following point can be made:
Considering a time period of 6 months, let us assume for this comparison that a person needs 3 liters of drinking water per day. When supplying bottled water, 540 PET bottles were produced after 6 months, which were either disposed of or discharged in the environment. In comparison, you only need one AQQA-bag, which must be disposed of or can possibly be reused.

Of course!

WeWater is recognized as a non-profit organization by the tax office for corporations I (Bredtschneiderstraße 5, 14057 Berlin) as of 02.01.2019.

In Germany, donations up to 200 Euro can be claimed for tax purposes without a donation receipt ( § 50 Abs. 2 Nr. 2 Buchst. b EStDV). To do this, simply submit your account statement together with this document to the tax office. Important: Give the intended purpose with each donation. (e.g. monthly donation, one-time donation, donation for project xy)

For donations over 200 Euro you need a donation receipt from us to claim it for tax purposes. Please send us an e-mail to hi@wewater.org with your full name and address. We will then send you your donation receipt.

Of course!

WeWater is recognized as a non-profit organization by the tax office for corporations I (Bredtschneiderstraße 5, 14057 Berlin) according to the decision of xx.xx.2018.

In Germany, donations up to 200 Euro can be claimed for tax purposes without a donation receipt ( § 50 Abs. 2 Nr. 2 Buchst. b EStDV). To do this, simply submit your account statement together with this document to the tax office. Important: Give the intended purpose with each donation. (e.g. monthly donation, one-time donation, donation for project xy)

For donations over 200 Euro you need a donation receipt from us to claim it for tax purposes. Please send us an e-mail to hi@wewater.org with your full name and address. We will then send you your donation receipt.

There are different possibilities to donate.

• On our secure donations tool, via direct debit
• On our project site at betterplace.org, donations are possible via paypal, direct debit, credit card, or wire transfer
• Directly on Facebook, on our secure and certified Facebook page
• Directly via bank transfer, monthly donations are also possible:

WeWater gUG
Bank für Sozialwirtschaft
IBAN: DE86 1002 0500 0001 6026 01
BIC-/SWIFT: BFSWDE33BER

Please state first and last name and purpose of your donation (monthly donation, one-time donation, project donation).

 

Thank you for your support!

We’re glad you want to help us. There are many ways and means to do so. You will find a list of all possibilities in the navigation point “Support”. Have a look there. Do you have another idea? Then write to us at hi@wewater.org.