Key Highlights of the Project:

• Operational since 2015 in rural areas.
• Conducts field-level water testing for quality assessment.
• Performs chlorination to improve water safety where needed.
• Engages trained students, volunteers, and local body staff.
• Works closely with LSGDs and panchayats for implementation.
• Educates communities on safe water practices and hygiene.
• Focused on preventing waterborne diseases and contamination.
• Empowers residents to monitor and maintain water quality locally.

Many rural communities in Kerala face challenges in accessing safe and potable drinking water. Contamination from bacteria, improper storage, and lack of awareness about water safety contribute to waterborne diseases, impacting health and quality of life. In response to this pressing issue, Oleena initiated the Water Testing and Chlorination Project in 2015, aiming to ensure safe drinking water reaches grassroots communities.

The project began in close collaboration with Local Self-Government Departments (LSGDs), panchayats, and local health authorities, identifying villages and communities where water quality was a concern. By establishing a structured program for water testing, Oleena trained students and local staff to collect samples, analyze water quality, and apply chlorination techniques where necessary to eliminate harmful pathogens.

The initiative not only addresses immediate water quality issues but also emphasizes community education and capacity building. Residents are taught the importance of hygiene, safe storage of drinking water, and methods to maintain water quality at home. Schools and local institutions are actively involved, ensuring that awareness spreads among children, youth, and adults alike.

Through sustained monitoring, Oleena has built trust with communities and local authorities, creating a replicable model for rural water management. The project reduces the incidence of waterborne illnesses, empowers residents with knowledge, and reinforces the role of local bodies in ensuring public health. By combining technical intervention, grassroots engagement, and education, Oleena continues to strengthen rural resilience and improve overall community well-being, demonstrating that safe drinking water is not just a necessity but a shared responsibility.

The Water Testing and Chlorination Project is primarily supported by Local Self-Government Departments (LSGDs), panchayats, and rural health authorities, who provide funding, logistical support, and coordination for field-level water testing and chlorination activities.

Supplementary support is provided by partner organizations and community institutions, assisting in awareness campaigns, training programs, and educational outreach.

Oleena contributes internal resources, including project management, trained personnel, and operational oversight, ensuring the effective and timely execution of water testing and chlorination programs.

This integrated funding and support structure ensures the project’s sustainability, enabling communities to access safe drinking water, reduce waterborne diseases, and develop long-term water hygiene awareness.

Education and awareness are key pillars of Oleena’s Water Testing and Chlorination Project. The program goes beyond technical interventions to ensure that communities understand the importance of safe drinking water, hygiene, and preventive practices.

Trained students and local body staff regularly organize interactive workshops, community sessions, and school programs to educate residents on water contamination, proper storage, and chlorination techniques. They demonstrate simple, practical methods to test water at home and emphasize behaviors that prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

Community members are encouraged to take ownership of their water resources, monitor water sources regularly, and participate actively in reporting and managing quality concerns. Local schools are engaged through educational competitions, awareness campaigns, and practical demonstrations, instilling responsible water habits in the younger generation.

In collaboration with panchayats and LSGDs, the awareness program also highlights the environmental and public health aspects of water safety. Residents learn about sustainable water practices, the significance of clean water for families, and the long-term benefits of maintaining water hygiene.

Through these efforts, Oleena ensures that the project creates a lasting impact, equipping communities with knowledge, practical skills, and motivation to maintain safe water practices. The initiative strengthens the capacity of local residents and staff to monitor water quality, reduces the prevalence of waterborne illnesses, and fosters a culture where every community member plays an active role in safeguarding water resources.