Safe Water Network India

Safe Water Network actively collaborates with the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs to facilitate the creation of a comprehensive national water policy, with the aim of expanding piped water networks across India. Additionally, it takes the lead in the SWE Alliance, a nationwide multi-stakeholder platform that advocates for safe water enterprises as resilient and complementary solutions in the water sector.

Safe Water Network is actively involved in enhancing the performance of Karnataka, India's decentralized water purification systems. These systems, comprising 18,000 water purification plants (WPPs), represent one of the world's largest water infrastructure projects, with a goal to serve over 40 million people. Through its Technical & Advisory Services, Safe Water Network collaborates with stakeholders in the decentralized water sector, particularly the Rural Drinking Water Supply & Sanitation Department (RDWS&SD). Together, they are engaged in a multi-year program to upgrade the Karnataka WPP system, addressing service level disparities and ensuring the reliability and sustainability of these crucial water facilities.

Safe Water Network addresses gender disparities in India, where women collect 80% of water in remote areas and care for those with waterborne illnesses. Small Water Enterprises (SWEs) offer a solution, providing safe water and freeing up women's time for education and work. The iJal Women’s Empowerment Programme, launched in Telangana's Medak district, fosters female entrepreneurship through self-help groups, benefiting over 170 women and 150,000 community members. Safe Water Network plans to expand and optimize this program, exploring distribution for SHG-run stations. It advocates for continued efforts by the Government, policymakers, and funders to empower women in water access and provision.