HD Supply Waterworks donated two WaterStep portable water purification systems to the National Rural Water Assn. (NRWA) as part of its sponsorship.
WaterStep is an organization that has provided safe drinking water to developing countries for 20 years. Its water systems are built to provide safe drinking water in an emergency or disaster situation.
"We appreciate the opportunity to assist our public and private utility customers as well as the associations that represent them," said Jerry Webb, CEO of HD Supply Waterworks. "Providing clean water solutions and access is essential, especially during an emergency or post disaster situation where current systems can be overwhelmed. We consider it our duty and privilege to help protect this valuable resource."
The NRWA selected New York and Arkansas as the state associations to receive the WaterStep portable water purification M-100 unit systems. Geographically dispersed both on the east coast and in the heartland of the U.S., these systems will be deployable to other rural water associations that might need them.
The M-100 unit system generates chlorine through electrolysis. This chlorine is enough to disinfect 38,000 liters of water per day, enough for about 10,000 people, while using a small amount of table salt and either a 12-volt car battery or solar panels. In addition, the units also come with two collapsible 1,000-gal water tanks and the option to add supplementary or larger tanks. All parts are stored within a small cart that is easily transportable. The simple units are environmentally friendly and effective in hazardous conditions.
"We are excited to have been chosen to receive the WaterStep device. We feel that it will be valuable not only for our region, but surrounding states as well. HD Supply Waterworks is truly a partner by providing support through their donation and the training on how to utilize this tool. At the end of the day, they understand the value of water and just what it means to all of us," said Patricia Scalera, CEO of New York Rural Water Assn.
"Rural water responders are on location assisting to make sure that water systems are back in place during a crisis, so it's only logical that they have a WaterStep unit right by their side. This will address the need of having drinking water that can be easily and effectively decontaminated in a moment's notice. We are thankful HD Supply Waterworks donated this tool to us," said Dennis Sternberg, CEO of Arkansas Rural Water Assn.
WaterStep will train each state how to operate the units. Arkansas Rural Water Assn. hosted its training in December and New York will follow in the spring 2015.
"It is a privilege for us to give back to an organization and a cause that is ingrained in our values as a company. We have always offered support to our utility customers and we realized that this is one more way that we can show support to those on the front lines of the water industry," said Steve LeClair, president of HD Supply Waterworks.
Source: HD Supply Waterworks
