ECO

             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 100^th 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

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