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Water and Sanitation Hygiene
At Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD), our Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program is built on one simple belief: there is no one-size-fits-all solution to water insecurity.
While others focus on delivering a single water solution (such as a well, hand pump, or water truck), HHRD takes a fundamentally different approach. We begin every WASH initiative with a comprehensive regional assessment to ensure the solution we implement will last.
Water and Sanitation Hygiene
1,360
total WASH Projects
8,905,882
Beneficiaries
9,805
Total Water Projects
Beyond Water: Health, Dignity, and Sustainability
Clean water is only the beginning. HHRD’s WASH program integrates sanitation and hygiene education to address the root causes of water-borne disease, malnutrition, and environmental degradation.
Our holistic approach aims to improve public health and disease prevention, school attendance, especially for girls, economic stability by reducing time spent collecting water, and environmental sustainability through efficient systems. When water access is done right, entire communities thrive.
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Needs-Based Assessments That Drive Real Impact
Before a single structure is built or a system is installed, HHRD works alongside local teams, engineers, and community leaders to understand the land itself.
Our assessments evaluate:
- Water scarcity levels and seasonal variation
- Underground water availability and depth
- Solar efficiency and environmental conditions
- Existing infrastructure and sanitation gaps
- Community population growth and long-term usage needs
This careful evaluation allows us to determine what each region truly requires, rather than forcing a pre-selected solution onto a complex problem.
Tailored Solutions for Every Environment
- Solar-powered water systems in areas with high sun exposure
- Deep bore wells where underground water sources are accessible
- Gravity-flow scheme for elevated or mountainous terrain
- Emergency water trucking paired with long-term infrastructure planning
- Sanitation and hygiene facilities integrated into water access points
- Rainwater harvesting systems to make rainwater drinkable
- Mineral booster and portable RO plants
By matching the right solution to the right environment, we ensure that communities receive reliable, dignified, and long-lasting access to clean water.
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FAQ
As a leader to empower lives, creating opportunities and strengthen the bond of humanity.
What is WASH and WFL?
WASH stands for “Water and Sanitation Hygiene” and WFL stands for “Water for Life” WASH projects include providing sanitation thru access to basic toilets and latrines at schools, refugee camps, and rural villages; and hygiene thru projectssuch as Hand Wash Stands which promote better health through the practice of handwashing and cleanliness.
WFL projects include providing access to safe and clean water through theinstallation of Afrediv & Submersible Water Pumps, Shallow & Deep-Water Wells,Gravity Flow Water Projects, Water Filtration Plants to purify water, and other similar water infrastructure projects.
Can we do WASH / WFL projects in the name of our loved ones, as Sadaqa Jariyah?
Yes. When sponsoring a complete project, donors can request a plaque bearing the name of the sponsor, or the names of the loved ones, be placed at the site so beneficiaries can pray for the sponsors of the project. (Please provide this information at the time of donation in the comments section, or write details on a
separate piece of paper if mailing a check.)
Are WASH / WFL projects Zakat eligible?
There are various opinions among respected Islamic Scholars about this. In areas hit by disasters and/or drought stricken, some Ulema-e-Karam (Scholars) allow the use of Zakat money for water projects. However, generally speaking, scholars do not allow water projects as Zakat eligible. HHRD does not spend general zakat donations on these projects, but if some donors send Zakat money for a water project, we do not object, as patrons are responsible for making this choice based on their own school of thought.
How long does it take for WFL / WASH projects to be completed?
Projects usually take 3-10 months to complete. Timelines are dependent on each country’s project permitting process requirements and the site-selection process which involves finding suitable terrain with adequate water levels.
How do you choose the location of WASH / WFL projects?
Usually, HHRD projects and programs are chosen based on already initiated emergency relief
efforts in the area. Whenever HHRD is involved in providing emergency relief services, WASH & WFL projects are considered wherever feasible, and needed, as long-term strategies. Often times, these projects require more effort and resources for proper implementation, which is reflected in the price and longer construction schedules of the WASH & WFL projects.
What are the reasons for water shortages?
There are four main reasons for water paucity (shortage):
1. Arid weather
2. Drought–a period in which rainfall is much lower, and evaporation is higher than normal
3. Dehydration of the ground due deforestation and overgrazing by cattle; and
4. Water stress due to increasing numbers of people that rely on limited levels of run-of
Who implements WASH / WFL projects?
Usually, local HHRD country teams–with the help of credible contractors and suppliersimplement the projects. Sometimes collaboration is done with other reliable local NGOs, who may have better access to good vendors, contractors, and laborers to implement the projects. In such cases, HHRD teams monitor and evaluate the implementation of the projects.
What is the lifespan of WASH / WFL projects?
All water projects involve digging until a water source is discovered. On average, the life of the materials and the infrastructure can be 3 or more years, varying from project to project, country to country, and usage. Regular maintenance and replacement of materials can extend the life of these projects. Specific information about the lifespan of each type of project is given in the description of projects on our WASH-WFL webpage.
How is the maintenance and sustainability of WASH / WFL projects ensured?
After providing maintenance training to local water committees and/or humanitarian forums, HHRD transfers the responsibility of maintenance and sustainability of WASH and WFL projects to the local community being served.
Does HHRD perform water quality laboratory tests?
Yes. Local HHRD teams perform two water quality tests. One test is done before the start of a WFL project to test the soil of the area to determine the approximate quality of water at the source aquifer. After the water project is finished, another comprehensive water quality test is done, at a credible laboratory, to determine the safety of the drinking water, as per various international and national standards.
Why do WASH / WFL project costs differ for each country?
The cost of WASH & WFL projects are dependent on the terrain, soil conditions and digging requirements of the project site; easy availability of necessary materials; local availability of good & competitively priced vendors, suppliers, laborers and experienced contractors; regulations of the governments, etc. As such, project costs can fluctuate from region to region, country to country.
Will I get a report when my project is completed? What is included in the report?
Yes. Each report includes pictures of the project and information about the host country. It may contain official documentation from the host country and photos of the handing over ceremony where the community takes ownership of the water project.
How can I donate towards a WASH / WFL project?
You can make a general donation, in any amount, to the general WASH/WFL fund. This
donation will be put towards any of the general projects being completed by HHRD. Or, you
can choose to sponsor a specific water project by donating the full cost of a selected project
in the country of your choice.
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HHRD’s WASH Highlights
- Emergency Relief: Water trucking delivers lifesaving aid during droughts and infrastructure collapse — reaching Syrian refugee camps in Jordan & Lebanon monthly, serving 2,000+ people per day in Gaza, and even reaching remote Thar Desert villages using camels and donkeys.
- Long-Term Solutions: Permanent infrastructure includes mega boreholes in Africa serving 30,000 villagers (with 10-year warranties).
- Sustainable Technology: Solar-powered pumps provide water without manual labor for 7,500 beneficiaries.
- Safe Drinking Water: Reverse osmosis plants in Afghanistan & Pakistan supply mineral-reintroduced clean water for 1,500–2,000 people daily.
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