The WaterWheel” Design by Cynthia Koenig
Wello started off as a social venture with the mission of providing clean water to everyone. They have launched several business models that encourages people to use the WaterWheel to lift their lives and families out of poverty. Especially in rural nations, where lives depend on water more than anything. One billion people don’t have direct access to water. This means that they have to travel at least 1/2 a mile for a safe water source. As many know, women usually carry clay pots on their heads or by their waist. To get a sufficient amount of water, it is very heavy.
Cynthia Koenig and her team spent 12 months developing a prototype for what is called the WaterWheel.
It is noted that the WaterWheel has several benefits.
- It is high quality and durable. Because it has to endure several terrains, it is manufactured from safe plastics that last a long time.
- It’s hygienic. The cap design prevents contamination and it reduces diarrheal disease, which is a major cause of death in infants.
- It’s affordable. Most of the people that need the WaterWheel don’t have the resource to pay for it, therefore Wello has developed an innovative business model that enables Wello to offer the WaterWheel at a low cost.
- It’s convenient. The WaterWheel can transport 50L at once at a fast pace which means that more water in less time.
- It’s aesthetically pleasing. The WaterWheel is in the shape of the traditional “matka”, the utensil for carrying water, so women will feel comfortable carrying it around.
By giving people access to water, the WaterWheel frees up time for women and removes the burdens that prevent children from going to school. This boosts family income, health, education, and general wellbeing. This will break the cycle of poverty. Innovation is key.
Source: the WaterWheel – Wello Water
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