What is the Project?
EQUIPMENT FOR WATER FILTRATION FOR HUMANITARIAN AND AUTONOMOUS LIVING stands as an innovative solution designed to empower communities and individuals coping with the persistent water crisis. In 2024, millions still face a lack of safe drinking water, and this project targets that global issue head-on. The water purifier, known as ORISA®, was created to address urgent needs not only in emergencies but also in everyday situations where autonomy is paramount. Built to cater to international aid workers and vulnerable populations, ORISA® is a French-manufactured, sustainable, autonomous water treatment system that provides immediate access to clean water. Its mission is clear: to strengthen resilience in a world where water is increasingly scarce and to reinforce human dignity.
Main Benefit – Reliable Water Purification for Health & Autonomy
The project brings multiple critical benefits, outlined in key figures and facts:
- 1 in 3 people worldwide, or 2.2 billion individuals, still lack access to safely managed drinking water (UNICEF, WHO).
- Nearly 1.6 billion people, more than a quarter of the global population, face water shortages (United Nations).
- 10% of the global population already lives in countries where water stress reaches high or critical levels (UN).
- In France, around 700 municipalities experienced water deprivation during the summer of 2022 (Caisse des dépôts).
- By 2050, 5 billion people may be affected by water scarcity as climate change intensifies droughts and floods (WMO).
Validated Performance and Recognized Certifications
The effectiveness of ORISA® is backed by multiple certifications and rigorous testing. Its performance, tested by the Pasteur Institute, affirms that it efficiently filters out biological contaminants, microplastics, bacteria, viruses, and suspended matter from surface water. The water purifier meets strict filtration standards, being compliant with NSF 231 and 248 protocols, ensuring that it provides a high level of water safety. Additionally, it is certified by the World Health Organization as having reached the “Complete Protection: three stars” level in household water treatment. Such certifications highlight the reliability and efficiency of the device, echoing its capacity to serve humanitarian needs worldwide… with proven results.
Innovative Design and Autonomous Living
Equipped for itinerancy and designed for autonomous living, ORISA® comes in variants that suit different lifestyles and conditions. The ORISA® Nomad Pack is lightweight, easily portable, and ideal for users on the move. Whether it’s for outdoor adventures, preparations for emergencies, or everyday rural living, the water purifier remains effective without requiring electricity. It purifies surface water – be it rainwater, well water, lake water, or river water – using a manual pumping system that filters 3 litres in just 1 minute. Its integrated cleaning system and durable French-made membrane underscore the commitment to sustainable and responsible design.
Global Impact and Humanitarian Outreach
ORISA® is already making waves through its adoption by numerous NGOs around the globe. Organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, French Red Cross, Solidarités International, Doctors of the World, Handicap International, Terre des Hommes Lausanne, and Première Urgence have integrated ORISA® into their humanitarian responses. Over 600,000 people across 50 countries now benefit from this autonomous water treatment system. The project not only provides immediate relief from waterborne diseases but also supports communities to build long-term resilience. Every unit deployed contributes significantly to addressing a multitude of humanitarian challenges – from epidemics and malnutrition to conflicts and climate disasters.
Supporting Sustainable Water Access and Environmental Standards
The project is firmly rooted in principles of sustainability and ecological responsibility. Manufactured entirely in Vendée and certified Origine France Garantie, ORISA® complies with rigorous health, social, and environmental standards. Its solar impulse certification further recognizes the solution’s efficiency and sustainability, reflecting a strong commitment to reducing the carbon footprint and combating climate change. The water purifier stands as a testament to innovative engineering merged with ecological foresight, providing a responsible response to water scarcity challenges… even in the most remote and demanding conditions.
Project Impact – Linked to the Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
Empowering Resilience and Future Preparedness
The project, which also incorporates the Karito program—a solidarity initiative donating 1% of annual turnover toward water access projects—cements its role in both humanitarian assistance and autonomous living. Since its inception in 2023, the Karito program has already facilitated the donation of 50 ORISA® water purifiers across various associations and partner organizations in numerous countries. This initiative reinforces the connection between providing essential water purification and advancing human dignity. In a world increasingly marked by climate-induced challenges, ORISA® equips communities with both the technology and the hope necessary to navigate uncertainty and build a more secure future… step by step.
