Installation of three First Flush Gravity Water systems in Vietnam's Ca Mau province brings communities and agencies together
Ca Mau, one of the many Mekong Delta provinces affected by climate change, faces severe annual challenges from drought and saline water intrusion, limiting freshwater availability for communities and schools. Recognizing this critical need, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development expressed appreciation for Gravity Water’s sustainable water solutions and requested the installation of three systems to provide resilient access to clean water.
In partnership with the Ca Mau Union of Friendships (UFO) and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Gravity Water initiated the project in Tran Hoi commune, Tran Van Thoi district. The project proposal was submitted on October 9 and approved by provincial authorities on October 16. Installations were completed by October 27, followed by water sample collection for quality testing on October 31.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is scheduled for November/ December to formally inaugurate the systems and officially transfer them to the schools. This event will be attended by high-level representatives, including leadership from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, provincial and district officials, local commune leaders, and representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, UFO, and the press.
This inauguration is a cornerstone of Gravity Water’s outreach strategy and dedication to climate resilience and water access while offering a valuable platform to engage with key government and media stakeholders. By enhancing Gravity Water’s visibility and sharing the project’s impact, the event is expected to foster new partnerships, attract investment, and support the replication of Gravity Water’s model in other provinces with similar water scarcity and climate resilience needs.
Climate-resilience efforts in the past 30 days
Gravity Water is the official winner of the 2024 QBE AcceliCity Resilience Challenge City Solution of the Year!
Three new rainwater harvesting installations were completed in Vietnam last month and existing system maintenance checks and site surveys at 29 schools.
Four new rainwater harvesting installations were completed in Taiwan last month, despite limited access due to the Typhoons.
Ten new rainwater harvesting installations were completed in Malaysia last month.
All schools were closed in Nepal from October 3rd to October 31st for Dashain and Tihar holidays and closures were extended until November 8th due to the Tihar and Chhath festivals. As a result, numerous projects proceeded more slowly than expected.
Climate-resilient water solutions launched for communities in the Kelantan region of Malaysia
In October 2024, Gravity Water, in collaboration with CLEAN International and Water Watch Penang, achieved a major milestone in Malaysia: the completion of the first set of rainwater harvesting systems at 30 schools in Kelantan. This marks the completion of the initial phase of Gravity Water’s pilot project in Malaysia, an important step toward creating climate-resilient water solutions for communities in the region.
The first round of installations has been a valuable learning experience for Gravity Water. Each completed system provided insight into optimizing installation processes, improving system resilience, and engaging with local schools and communities. The lessons learned will guide the organization’s efforts as Gravity Water prepares for an ambitious second round of installations in Kelantan in 2025. Building on this foundational phase, Gravity Water plans to expand with 20 times more RWH systems in the region, amplifying their impact and reaching even more schools and students.
In addition to the expanded work in Kelantan, Gravity Water is setting its sights on Johor Bahru in southern Malaysia in 2025. Actively in the scoping phase, the Johor Bahru project will bring 14 more rainwater harvesting systems to schools and communities in the area. This expansion signifies a crucial next step in Gravity Water’s long-term commitment to building climate resilience and water security across Malaysia. More information on the Johor Bahru project will be available soon as plans develop.
Rainwater harvesting for climate resilience: Typhoons in Taiwan
In October 2024, Taiwan endured an extraordinary series of three typhoons—Krathon, Gaemi, and Kong-rey—that swept across the island, impacting millions and straining resources in unprecedented ways. Against this intense backdrop, Gravity Water’s work continued, showcasing the organization’s resilience and dedication to climate resiliency through the installation of rainwater harvesting systems.
These back-to-back storms presented significant logistical and resource challenges for Gravity Water’s operations. In collaboration with the Environmental Ethics Foundation of Taiwan (EEFT), Gravity Waters Rainwater Harvesting Pilot Initiative in Taiwan is already providing net-positive water solutions to 32,746 students and teachers. However, as emergency response became critical across Taipei and other regions, the demand for plumbing services surged. With plumbing professionals redirected to restore essential services, there was a shortage of skilled workers available for routine maintenance and new installations of rainwater harvesting systems.
Gravity Water adapted, pressing forward with essential maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems, ensuring that existing systems remained operational despite the adverse conditions. To meet immediate needs, Gravity Water’s plumbing staff prioritized emergency response efforts before returning to install new rainwater harvesting systems, addressing urgent water infrastructure needs in affected areas.
The relentless storms underscored the necessity of sustainable water systems that can endure Taiwan’s evolving climate challenges. Gravity Water’s commitment to long-term resilience through rainwater harvesting not only addresses immediate water needs but also strengthens communities against the increasing impacts of climate change. As Taiwan rebuilds in the aftermath, the focus on sustainable, net-positive water solutions remains essential to ensuring a resilient future.
School site survey results in Vietnam's Xin Man District
In partnership with the Ha Giang Provincial Center for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (PCERWASS), Gravity Water conducted a site survey of six schools in Vietnam's Na Chi and Khuon Lung communes, Xin Man District.
The assessment revealed critical challenges common for that region:
Water Scarcity: All schools rely on water from uphill streams or drilled wells, which tend to dry up during the dry season (February to May), making it difficult to maintain a consistent water supply for daily use.
Water Tank Storage Limitations: Each school uses separate stainless steel tanks (1,000–3,000 liters) to store water, but the capacity is insufficient to meet needs during dry months, contributing to water shortages.