SMART PAANI MEANS SMART WATER
 |
Living
in Nepal water shortage is a reality in our everyday life.
The spring water is of such poor
quality that we can not drink it and often there is no water in our taps or in the
shower... Boiling water and bucket showers is almost an everyday activity.
And we
are among the lucky ones who have running water!
 |
| Tyler McMahon in action..and in need of a shower! |
We have created a good social and business network in Nepal and Tyler McMahon is one of the people we go mountain biking with all the time.
Tyler is very dedicated to his work and shares A/BARENESS vision to make a difference when it comes to environmental issues.
We met up with him for a quick Q & A about "SmartPaani"s work and his thoughts about the water situation in Nepal :
A/ BARENESS:
When did you and your partners
start SmartPaani in Nepal?
Tyler: In September 2011
A/ BARENESS: Why do you want to work with
rainwater harvesting and water filtration? Why do you think it is important?
Tyler: Water is a serious problem in Nepal, despite “abundant” water
resources. The steep geography of the country means that most settlements are
away from water sources. Kathmandu itself has no rivers that are fed by
snowmelt and all sources right now are heavily contaminated. However the amount
of rain is immense and rainwater harvesting can contribute to solving the
problem. Well -designed filtration systems at low costs with minimal energy
requirements and simple maintenance will go a long way toward providing clean
water and contributing to a livable future.
A/ BARENESS:
How far have you come since you started?
Tyler: We recently installed our 100th system and are seeing
steady growth. We have installed systems in 17 schools providing water to
thousands of students as well along with recharging millions of liters of
clean, previously wasted, rainwater into the groundwater supply. People said
they would be surprised if we did get to install 50 systems, we’ve already more
than doubled expectations; all without outside assistance.
A/ BARENESS: What is your vision for the future?
Tyler: We plan on getting into the wastewater treatment sector as well
since wastewater is a huge source of contamination and a major health hazard
and nuisance. On the water supply side, we hope to continue to grow supplying
rainwater harvesting and biosand filtration systems throughout Nepal and
especially providing clean water to schools. OPS as a company is also expanding
into the energy sector, specifically into “unconventional” sources of
alternative energy.
 |
| Tyler in deep thoughts after we visited Maya Universe Academy, the school we are going to support to begin with. What kind of water projects will benefit MUA the most? Photo: Niranjan Shrestha |
A/ BARENESS: What impact do you think the collaboration
with A/ BARENESS will have on your work and for people in Nepal?
Tyler: I think companies like A/bareness partnering with us and installing
water systems in schools will set a model for Nepal. As a company we are
committed to providing clean water to schools using environmentally friendly
systems. We guarantee our systems and go above and beyond making sure the
system last a long time in schools. Companies like A/bareness that contribute
to supply clean water to schools are not only purchasing clean water, but also
committed technical support, educational presentations
and creating jobs in Nepal while doing so.
We are so looking forward to get more
projects started and we will keep posting updates. You can read more about Maya Universe Academy and our cause on our webpage and support our cause by buying our products:
www.abareness.com
www.abareness.com
Slow Fashion Love from Karoline & Anne-Marthe
