Disaster Response
Water Mission specializes in safe water and sanitation solutions for communities impacted by disasters.
How We Respond
Following a disaster, access to safe water is essential to prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses and provide other critically needed services like food, shelter, and medical attention. Water Mission specializes in safe water and sanitation solutions for communities impacted by disasters. Our team partners with local governments and fellow response organizations to meet the needs of those who are suffering. We not only provide immediate aid but also implement long-term solutions as needed to help communities better prepare for future disasters.
Water Mission’s response starts with a rapid on-the-ground needs assessment and water quality analysis to determine the most efficient, effective solutions. We connect with partners to maximize impact.
Our Experience
Water Mission was born out of the need for safe water in Honduras following Hurricane Mitch more than 20 years ago. Since then, we’ve served men, women, and children following some of the world’s most devastating natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
Our Strategy
When a disaster strikes, Water Mission quickly determines when and how we can most strategically add value. Our professional Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) includes engineers, project managers, and logistics personnel with extensive experience in diverse and complex contexts. These experts know how to get water flowing quickly in any scenario.
With a trained team and prepositioned emergency equipment, Water Mission stands ready to deploy quickly when the need arises, including to simultaneous disasters in different locations.
Water Mission conducts rapid on-the-ground needs assessments and water quality analyses to inform which safe water solutions are most viable for each context.
Water Mission provides quick solutions by distributing water purification packets and hygiene kits while working to get safe water flowing as quickly as possible through bulk safe water solutions.
When needed, Water Mission maintains a presence in disaster-affected communities as they rebuild, working to create sustainable systems that will provide long-term benefits and prepare them for the future.
Areas We've Served
Water Mission has responded to 68 disasters all over the globe.
Western North Carolina
On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene tore through the southeastern United States. The Category 4 storm was one of the deadliest to hit the country in this century. Water Mission's DART was on the ground within days to meet urgent needs.
We installed 19 emergency water treatment systems at churches and schools in western North Carolina and distributed 124,000 emergency water purification packets, more than 1,000 collapsible water containers, and 1,100 generators to families without power. We also addressed spiritual needs by providing trauma healing resources, including Bibles and Beyond Disaster materials developed to help people emotionally heal.
Ukraine Conflict
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Water Mission deployed within days. We partnered with churches, civic groups, and local governments to care for families seeking refuge in neighboring countries and get safe water flowing inside Ukraine, where fighting had damaged public water and power infrastructure. In the first two years of the conflict, Water Mission has produced more than 26 million gallons of safe water in more than 200 communities.
CNN Interview on Ukraine Response with Craig Williams, Water Mission Emergency Response Coordinator—December 24, 2022
Turkey Earthquakes
On February 6, 2023, a series of deadly earthquakes struck Turkey, killing more than 50,000 people and leaving 3 million more homeless. Water Mission deployed to Turkey, sending trained disaster response team members and equipment to get safe water flowing as fast as possible for people in need. We installed 19 safe water systems, providing more than 62,000 people with safe water in IDP camps, kitchens, and clinics.
Impact Stories
Disaster Assistance Response Team
DART members deploy at a moment’s notice whenever and wherever a disaster strikes, working together to provide people with safe water and showing God’s love to those they serve. Are you feeling called to serve in this way?
