Waves for Water: Getting Clean Water to Everyone Who Needs It

Founded in 2009 by pro surfer Jon Rose, Waves for Water is a non-profit organization that works on the front-line to get clean water to every person who needs it. Many people living in impoverished areas still do not have access to clean water; every year, 3.3 million die from drinking contaminated water. The goal of Waves for Water is to take existing solutions (portable water filters) into countries that need them. With these filters, dirty water becomes clean and drinkable and lives are saved.

During a surf trip in September of 2009, Rose was on a boat off the coast of Sumatra when a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit the city of Padang. He was supposed to deliver 10 water filters to Bali for his first Waves for Water mission, but upon seeing the devastated city, he handed the filters over to rescue workers to help provide clean water to the victims. The experience solidified the need for Waves for Water; since then, the organization has been bringing clean water solutions to communities in need around the world.


To date, Waves for Water has distributed 100,000 filters in dozens of countries worldwide, providing more than 7.5 million people with access to clean water. Waves for Water filtration systems are portable, effective, and easy to use, and one filter can supply 100 people with clean water for up to 5 years.

Aiming to be proactive rather than reactive, Waves for Water has partnered with surf company Hurley International to create Clean Water Couriers, a DIY volunteer program wherein surfers looking for waves in developing nations can carry filters with them in their luggage. The program isn't exclusive to surfers, though. Anyone who travels can volunteer and help as well. In addition, Waves for Water has teamed up with other non-profits and government agencies to launch large-scale solutions where needed.