The latest
New publication
A December 2021 journal article from the Clean Water Institute explores the possibility of using a subterranean spring capture method to improve water quality in rural Ecuador. Find the article at the H2Open Journal website.
New scholarship available
The Joseph and Sang Jin Kim scholarship is now available to help prospective students consider how they might get involved with the Clean Water Institute! Any prospective Calvin students are welcome to apply. Watch for it through your financial aid application in your list of apply-to scholarships.
What’s the challenge?
Lack of clean drinking water corrodes the critical structure of communities—health, education, business—and sabotages future growth. The destructive effect is similar around the world, but its causes are unique to the history, culture and environment of each region. Any solution must be versatile, adaptable and informed by a deep and wide expertise.
How does CWI answer the challenge?
The causes of this challenge are too diverse for any one, simple solution. That is why the work of CWI is so important—and our holistic, mission-based approach sets us apart.
Transformational for at-risk communities:
Nothing transforms a community more than access to safe drinking water. Clean water not only saves lives; it makes it possible for families, businesses and schools to thrive.
Life-changing for students:
When students participate in a CWI project, they establish a model for service and citizenship that will guide them throughout their lives and careers. CWI challenges students to put their faith and education into practice, fostering tangible renewal in God’s world.
Collaborative and interdisciplinary:
CWI draws on a diversity of fields—from chemistry to psychology to engineering and beyond—to identify solutions. We partner with agencies already doing excellent work and use our resources to amplify their efforts.
Our projects
Reactivation of Ancient Water Delivery System in Jordan
Calvin archeology and engineering students team up with Jordanian experts to restore an ancient water system and supply water to a community experiencing scarcity.
Water Disinfection in Ecuador
Calvin chemistry, engineering, and psychology students work with NGOs and local governments to establish best practices for disinfecting and delivering water.
Water Filter Distribution in Liberia
Calvin statistics, GIS, and public health students work alongside Liberian NGOs to map the distribution of water filters and analyze their impact on public health.
Water Capture and Filtration in Honduras
Calvin geology students and faculty investigate springs and water features to capture more water. Next, they’ll improve access to point source filtration.
Geophysics and Well-Siting
Calvin computer science students work with local communities to build a low-cost and easy-to-use instrumentation and software to identify future drilling sites for wells.
Sawyer Water Filter Analysis
Calvin biology students work alongside faculty to assess the long-term effectiveness of Sawyer PointOne water filters.
CWI in the news
- Geological and hydrogeological assessment of the Brito Formation: Municipio de Tola, Nicaragua — May, 2021
- Clean Water Institute of Calvin introduces new directors — October 29, 2020
- Variations in sensitivity to chlorine in Ecuador and US consumers: implications for community water systems — 2019
- Calvin University students help with clean water project in Liberia — October 11, 2018