THIS IS HOW WE OPERATE

Currently active water projects are displayed on the map. Look for made blue icons on the map. We choose to operate in areas coping with permanent water stress and within relatively stable (political) environments: together with local partners working on lasting change.

METER READING

Our total impact realized since the start of made blue in 2014 is displayed above. We register the amount of people given permanent access to clean water and hygiene, multiplied by a minimal daily use of 20 litres of water per person, according to United Nations reports.

10,022,178,235

litres of clean drinking water

137,290

people got access

400+

thanks to this much ambassadors

70,155

tons of CO2 saved

We promise access to clean water and hygiene for at least 10 years after completing a water project, of course working hard to make our impact last even longer. We’re fair about potential risks involved. Therefore we’re aiming at reaching more people than being targetted, making sure reported impact is even bigger in real life.

Each project is monitored externally, before, during and after completion. We’re being supported by Aqua for All, expert in the field of water and sanitation and operating on behalf of the government of The Netherlands.

LASTING CHANGE

Unfortunately, many well-intentioned initiatives did not live up to expectations. In sub-Sahara Africa it is estimated that about 50% of water pumps once installed by charities are no longer functioning. Obviously, that’s not how it should be at all and that is why we’re very serious about making impact last.

Therefore every project we engage in is thoroughly screened and fitted with a business model and ownership structure guaranteeing operation and maintenance for at least 10 years to come. This often means that users pay a small contribution for the water fetched at the facility, funds that are being used as savings for future repairs or even expansion.

That results in lasting change and a more sustainable society. The sustainability factor is even bigger as direct access to clean water often also means no longer having to boil polluted surface water over open fire or having to buy packaged water.

Of course sustainability is key in our own operation as well, developing solutions that contribute to lowering water footprints of products and services of the companies supporting our work.

Innovation

As there’s always room for improvement we also invest time and resources into optimizing the way we work towards access to clean water and hygiene for all. For example by running a pilot project with a water vending machine in Tanzania.

We’re aiming at challenging local communities not only taking ownership, but also coming up with new ideas and approaches towards access to clean water and hygiene for all.

In the end we work towards the clear objective to make as much impact as possible with every Euro being invested.

knock-on effect

Water projects are fitted with a business model and ownership structure guaranteeing operation and maintenance for at least 10 years to come. This often means that users pay a small contribution for the water fetched at the facility, funds that are being used as savings for future repairs or even expansion.

It is not uncommon for watercommunities to realize additional taps and expand facilities putting the savings from operating the facilities to good use. The water facilities also attract other local entrepreneurs, creating a knock-on effect that has so much more impact.

Active projects

These are currently ongoing projects enabling access to clean water and hygiene for all.

Clean drinking water for minorities in Vietnam

Finally access to clean drinking water for a disadvantaged minority group in Vietnam, the Muong, in collaboration with World Vision.

Max Tap Water

We are back in Bangladesh with an entrepreneurial project in which we build water networks for households.

Making water everybody’s business

An enterprising water project in Ethiopia lasting five years in the slums of large cities such as the capital Addis Ababa.

Water and sanitation at ánd around schools

Children in Ethiopia will get access to water and sanitation at school and the neighbourhood benefits as well. In collaboration with Amref and Castalie.

WASH & LEARN

In this sequel to the water vending machines, innovation and girls are central to achieving access to clean drinking water together with the local community.

Said’s water vending machine

Innovation and entrepreneurship in clean drinking water in Tanzania through the smart Water Vending Machine in collaboration with Simavi.

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Frank van der Tang, co-founder Made Blue

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Latest updates

Update Max Tap Water: a running start

Our entrepreneurial project in Bangladesh is off to a running start. After all permits were completed, various existing installations were transferred to the new social enterprise to be set up, which…

Uganda update: Much more than just water

Our WASH & Learn project in Uganda is much more than just water. In this update we tell you about doing business with mouth caps, gardening with residual water and blue soap…

Update Wash at schools: the first half of the year

Our project in Ethiopia started more than six months ago, so it’s time for an interim report. In it we see how much is needed before construction can start. There are also quite a few challenges in…

Vietnam update: On TV and extension

In Vietnam we recently celebrated the official opening of the water supply, which to our surprise even made national TV. Another surprise was that there was budget left and that is why we are going…

Frequently asked questions

Is there an annual report?

Yes of course. We want to be as transparent as possible. In the annual report you will find everything about the donations and expenditure of the completed calendar year. The annual report can be found here.

How are new projects being selected?

We only select water projects that: realize a measurable amount of water, are ecologically and economically viable, are cost efficient & sustainable, take education and training into account, work with local communities, take place in regions where we truly make a difference, This way we know that we are making a real impact and that our water supplies will continue to work in the future.

Are water projects implemented by made blue?

We work with local partners who have been active in the communities for decades, such as: Amref Flying Doctors in Ethiopia, World Vision in Vietnam and Simavi in Tanzania. We only use local knowledge, manpower and materials. This means that all value creation remains local, materials and knowledge always available on site: also in the event of future expansion or repairs.

How can you be sure things remain operational?

Project sites are being visited regularly, also (years) after completion. As we’re paying lots of attention to local ownership and management, water structures remain in place and functional for a very long time into the future.

Where is the made blue office located?

We’re working with a small team and with full focus on effectiveness and transparency. As central office does not work for us, we’re happy to meet you at any of our ambassador’s locations.

Can I suggest a water project to support?

Yes. However we adhere to a strategy that is about scaling what works: putting additional means to scaling water projects that have been proven effective in the past.