Design Outreach

Date: 2018

Asset Class: Grant

Description:  Design Outreach provides a better pump for water wells in Africa and the Caribbean. Their LifePump is more durable than standard pumps and fails slowly rather than catastrophically. It’s remote monitoring capability lets those responsible know there is a problem developing months in advance so they can get there to make needed repairs.

Why We Invest: Historically about 50% of water projects fail. The Design Outreach LifePump is designed to be always up and that has been their experience. One of the root causes of the lack of access to safe water is the failure of government. When government takes responsibility, the LifePump’s remote monitoring and slow failure will aid that transition.