SDG Awards 2024

Finalist Profile

Welcome to the SDG Awards, a distinguished recognition program honoring the remarkable contributions of individuals, organizations, and initiatives in championing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Finalist Profile

Remote Waters

About Company

SDG Awards 2024

Category - SDG 6 - Clean water & Sanitation

Developing innovative water purification systems that provide clean and safe potable water to communities with limited access.

➜ Developing innovative water purification systems that provide clean and safe potable water to communities with limited access.
➜ Eliminating contaminants and viruses from water, thus preventing waterborne diseases and improving public health.
➜ Utilizing solar-powered systems that are independent of the electrical grid and produce no CO2 emissions.
SDG_Icon 6

1. What is the local impact your organization has achieved regarding your selected SDG? (No Word Limit)

Remote Waters has made significant local impacts related to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by: Providing Access to Clean Water: Implementing modular desalination and water treatment systems in underserved communities, Remote Waters has directly improved access to clean and safe drinking water, reducing reliance on unreliable water sources. Supporting Water Security: In regions like Vichuquén, Chile, Remote Waters' solutions have ensured a stable supply of potable water, benefiting 600 people and providing 23m³ per day, addressing local water scarcity issues. Reducing Economic Burdens: By replacing costly water truck deliveries with locally sourced and treated water, Remote Waters has reduced the economic strain on communities, allowing funds to be allocated to other essential needs. Promoting Environmental Sustainability: Treating and purifying contaminated water sources, such as in the Atacama Desert, has enabled sustainable agricultural practices, including hydroponics, in areas previously unsuitable for farming. These initiatives align with SDG 6 by ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, particularly in vulnerable and water-scarce regions.

2. What is the global impact your organization has achieved regarding your selected SDG? (No Word Limit)

Remote Waters receives quotes from many countries around the globe. So far, besides Chile, we have installed in Guatemala and Peru, but thorugh social media, we have created awareness through social media globally. Remote Waters has made a global impact on SDG 6 by providing innovative, solar-powered water treatment solutions that enhance access to clean water in underserved regions. Their modular systems have been deployed in areas with severe water scarcity, such as Chile and the Atacama Desert, improving daily water access for hundreds of people. By utilizing renewable energy and community-centered approaches, Remote Waters has reduced reliance on costly and environmentally harmful water trucking, promoted sustainable water management, and empowered local communities with the tools and knowledge to manage their own water resources effectively. Their efforts contribute significantly to global water security and the advancement of sustainable water practices.

3. What is the scalability of your innovation and how do you plan to achieve it? (No Word Limit)

1. Modular and Adaptable Technology Description: Remote Waters' desalination and water treatment systems are modular, making them easily adaptable to various environments, from small rural communities to larger urban areas. This flexibility allows for scalable deployment across diverse geographic regions. Scalability Plan: Localized Production: Establish local manufacturing hubs to reduce costs and streamline distribution. Standardization: Develop standardized units that can be quickly assembled and deployed in different regions. 2. Strategic Partnerships Description: Partnering with local governments, NGOs, and private sector entities can facilitate rapid scaling by leveraging existing networks and resources. Scalability Plan: Public-Private Partnerships: Form partnerships with local governments for widespread adoption in public infrastructure projects. NGO Collaborations: Work with NGOs to reach remote and underserved communities. 3. Financial Models Description: Offering flexible financing options, such as leasing or pay-as-you-go models, makes the technology accessible to a broader market. Scalability Plan: Microfinancing: Implement microfinance schemes to enable small communities to afford the technology. Investment Rounds: Engage in targeted investment rounds to secure capital for expansion. 4. Global and Regional Expansion Description: Expanding into new regions with similar water scarcity issues, starting with Latin America and extending to Africa and Asia. Scalability Plan: Market Entry Strategies: Conduct market research to identify regions with the highest need and develop tailored market entry strategies. Pilot Projects: Launch pilot projects in new regions to demonstrate effectiveness and build local trust.

4. What is your organization’s unique strategy for using technology to achieve your selected SDG? (150 Words Limit)

Remote Waters' unique strategy to achieve SDG 6 focuses on deploying modular, solar-powered water treatment systems that are both portable and scalable. These systems can be easily adapted to diverse environments, ensuring clean water access in remote and underserved areas. By integrating IoT sensors and data analytics, the systems offer real-time monitoring of water quality and system performance, enabling proactive maintenance and optimization. Additionally, Remote Waters emphasizes community involvement in the design and maintenance of these systems, fostering local ownership and ensuring long-term sustainability. This approach combines advanced technology with renewable energy and community-centered implementation, making clean water both accessible and sustainable in challenging environments.

5. What challenges did you encounter while working for your selected SDG, and how did you address them? (150 Words Limit)

Remote Waters faces challenges like infrastructure limitations, high implementation costs, maintenance issues, and regulatory hurdles. To address these, they deploy modular, portable systems that work in areas with minimal infrastructure, offer flexible financing options, and provide training to local communities for system maintenance. We also use IoT technology for remote monitoring and engage local legal experts to navigate regulations. These strategies ensure effective, sustainable water solutions in challenging environments.

6. How did you engage local communities and stakeholders in your work, and what was their feedback? (150 Words Limit)

1rst, with an initial meeting, getting to know them, let them know our intentions and letting them ask all the questions. 2nd, we ask from them some sort of help, like installing a security fence. This allows a sence of ownership. Their feedback is mainly based in the water quality, ease of use, and fast response for remote troubleshooting from our support team.

7. Which organizational skills and resources did you use to deliver goods/services without harming the environment or society? (150 Words Limit)

We have B-Corp certification. Remote Waters employs a combination of sustainable technology expertise and community engagement to deliver environmentally and socially responsible solutions. We design modular, energy-efficient water treatment systems powered by renewable energy, like solar, minimizing environmental impact. By involving local communities in the design and maintenance processes, Remote Waters ensures that their solutions are culturally appropriate and foster local ownership. We also prioritize environmental stewardship by using eco-friendly materials and practices, such as recycling water and reducing chemical use. Additionally, cross-sector collaborations with NGOs and governments provide resources for scaling while maintaining sustainability. Continuous monitoring through IoT and data analytics allows for real-time optimization, ensuring minimal harm to the environment and society.

8. In your view what roles do businesses, governments, and civil society should play in achieving the SDGs, and how can they collaborate effectively? (150 Words Limit)

Businesses should innovate and implement sustainable practices, driving economic growth while minimizing environmental impact. Governments must create supportive policies, provide funding, and ensure regulatory frameworks that promote sustainability and protect vulnerable populations. Civil society plays a key role in raising awareness, holding stakeholders accountable, and fostering community-driven solutions. Effective collaboration occurs when these sectors engage in public-private partnerships, where businesses bring innovation, governments provide infrastructure and policy support, and civil society ensures that efforts are inclusive and equitable. Together, they can pool resources, share knowledge, and scale solutions that drive progress towards the SDGs.

9. What advice do you have for individuals or organizations aiming to create positive change and support the SDGs? (150 Words Limit)

Start with Purpose or something that you think is not fair: Clearly define your mission and align it with specific SDGs to guide your actions and measure your impact. Collaborate Broadly: Partner with like-minded organizations, governments, and communities to pool resources, share expertise, and amplify your impact. Innovate Sustainably: Embrace technology and innovation, but ensure that your solutions are environmentally friendly and socially inclusive. Engage Locally: Understand and involve local communities in your initiatives to ensure that solutions are culturally relevant and sustainable. Measure and Adapt: Continuously monitor your progress, learn from challenges, and adapt your strategies to enhance effectiveness. Advocate and Educate: Raise awareness about the SDGs and encourage others to take action by sharing knowledge and experiences.

10. How would winning this SDG Award help you enhance your impact and expand your project? (150 Words Limit)

The award would: Increase Visibility: Elevate Remote Waters' profile, attracting more attention from potential partners, investors, and stakeholders. Attract Funding: Open doors to additional funding opportunities and grants, enabling the scaling of projects and technology deployment in new regions. Strengthen Partnerships: Facilitate collaborations with governments, NGOs, and other organizations, broadening the scope and effectiveness of their initiatives. Enhance Credibility: Validate their approach and solutions, building trust with communities and potential clients. Expand Outreach: Support marketing and awareness campaigns to reach more underserved areas, furthering their mission to provide sustainable water solutions.

11. What are your future objectives regarding your selected SDG? (150 Words Limit)

We want to provide clean water access to 15,000 homes in the next 5 years. Scaling Technology: Expand deployment of modular, solar-powered water treatment systems to underserved and remote areas, ensuring broader access to clean and safe drinking water. Innovating Solutions: Continue developing advanced, sustainable water purification technologies that are cost-effective and adaptable to diverse environmental conditions. Building Partnerships: Strengthen collaborations with governments, NGOs, and local communities to enhance resource mobilization, policy support, and implementation efficiency. Enhancing Local Capacity: Implement training programs to empower local communities in managing and maintaining water systems, fostering long-term sustainability. Advancing Research: Invest in research to address emerging water challenges and improve system performance, resilience, and environmental impact.