Turning water into opportunity: The story behind CAWST
A founder’s journey from discovering the biosand filter to building a model that empowers communities worldwide.
After two decades in oil and gas engineering, I returned to the University of Calgary in 1998. That's when I met Dr. David Manz and his game-changing invention: the biosand filter (BSF). This simple household water filter reduces bacteria, viruses, and contaminants to make water consistently safe to drink. Built locally with everyday materials, it's affordable and transformative for the world's poorest communities.
My graduate thesis was "The Humanitarian Distribution of the Biosand Filter Globally." Through other NGOs, Dr. Manz had already piloted BSF programs in Nicaragua, Vietnam, Brazil, Kenya and elsewhere. I analysed the available data…the filter effectiveness, user feedback and proof of long-term sustainability. These all indicated that the BSF was revolutionary. I explored global rollout strategies - training needs, community involvement, and offerings from NGOs like CARE, Oxfam, WaterAid, and Water for People.
Initially, we eyed Dr. Manz's for-profit company, Davnor. But after 18 months, we realized humanitarian distribution demanded a dedicated nonprofit. Drawing on seven years on the Calgary YWCA board, my business leadership experience, and my experience as a board member of AOSTRA (the Alberta Oil Sands Technical Research Authority), I volunteered as CAWST's CEO for the first decade. I rallied YWCA colleagues, their spouses, and my own spouse, Derek, who volunteered as CAWST’s Interim Director of Research for many years. We launched with hope and faith in our non-profit model.
The soul of CAWST
At its core, CAWST champions human equality, viewing water as key to survival and escaping poverty. Our vision is a world where people have the opportunity to succeed because their basic water and sanitation needs are met.
CAWST is a hybrid organization:
Humanitarian …..targeting the most vulnerable.
An educational engine…. building local capacities.
A licensed engineering consultancy….. upholding rigorous standards.
We're truly global, serving clients in nearly every country through a vast network of partners. We run like a sharp business. We rigorously measure our results - our key performance indicators (KPIs). We report these results annually to our members. We host Annual General Meetings (AGMs) where members vote like shareholders. Membership is free to all who believe in CAWST’s Vision and Mission.
What sets CAWST apart
Unlike many water NGOs, we don't build projects or maintain in-country offices. Instead:
We train at the community level through local partners.
We fuel countless small-scale efforts, not megaprojects.
We deliver ongoing services and long-term relationships.
We rigorously measure end impacts, like people gaining safe water.
We're bottom-up: client feedback shapes our trainings.
We started grassroots, powered by volunteers, individuals, and businesses, not governments.
Facing challenges head-on
Wars, climate crises including droughts, floods demand resilient, self-reliant water options. But global water regulations favour costly community water treatment and pipeline distribution, overlooking household solutions that empower the poor. Funding is tightening as people in developed countries feel more uncertain about the future and domestic priorities rise. International Government aid like USAID is shrinking.
Yet opportunities abound. Partnerships with numerous competent local trainers -- and big-reach clients like those aiding Middle East refugees or WASH'em handwashing programs -- drive exponential growth. Digital tools let us reach millions in remote villages. AI speeds translations of our materials. Our online resources, like chlorine calculators and training manuals, see surging downloads.
Building greater impact
CAWST has had great impact. In 2024, 22 million people gained better water and sanitation or hygiene as a result of its actions. But this is just a minute fraction of those in need.
To reach more people, we plan to strengthen our partners' capability, to build their credibility so that they can exert greater influence and obtain direct funding. We will push policies to recognize household water treatment (HWT) as a viable solution for clean water supply. We will raise global awareness of water and sanitation needs and solutions, and grow our base of members, donors, and volunteers.
Early resourcing came from volunteers, personal networks, Rotary clubs, churches, our Wavemakers school program, media, and events. We built credibility via MIT research, Mount Royal University collaborations, and defending BSF efficacy with University of North Carolina studies. Awards like the Suez Water Prize, Ernst &Young Entrepreneurship Award, and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) NGO honours followed.
In addition to our focus on service provision, sustained future growth demands steady resource inputs. We plan to grow this through broad appeals (clean water touches everyone), ambassador-building ("people give to people with causes"), increasing membership, public education, and regular supporter updates.
Supporters often tell us they believe in CAWST’s approach of “teaching people to fish.” While that philosophy resonates deeply, our impact numbers — including 22 million people reached in 2024 — deserve context. We believe it’s important to clearly explain how our results are trending, why our strategies work in a shifting global landscape, and how future investments translate into lasting impact.
My hopes for CAWST's future
I envision CAWST:
Helping millions of the poorest become happier, healthier and more independent.
Energising a global network of small and large organizations aimed at educating communities to get clean water and better sanitation.
Championing Household Water Treatment worldwide.
Facilitating direct funding and capacity building of partners (yes, creating our own "competition").
Becoming an example for NGOs all over the world in how to achieve impact and how to effectively manage a non-profit business
I’m not sure that CAWST could ever become redundant. But we could work constantly to minimise the need for our services.
Join CAWST. Become a member, volunteer, or donor. Together, we turn water into opportunity. Together we can create a more equal world.