TRASHWATER NOT BAD AT ALL (4/7/15)

     Years ago, dirty water made him sick.  Little did he know the horrible experience would lead him to get involved.

     And don't ask Josh Sanders about clean drinking water.  He will delve-off into methods, systems and impact statistics that might scare you. 

     "I was on a humanitarian mission with a group in Cairo when I intersected the problem," said Josh. "Up until that point, I knew I wanted to volunteer for something.  Laying there ill I understood my new mission...make sure it doesn't happen to others."

     Involved with church missions as a youngster, Josh has traveled all-over the planet assisting communities as far away as Romania. 

     At 33, Josh returned to Atlanta and started a group called Trashwater.org; a non-profit providing innovative, clean water solutions through partnerships with communities in developing nations like Nicaragua.

     Trashwater uses education, filtration, and community involvement to maximize lasting change for those burdened by unsafe water.    The organization frequently flies from Atlanta to Nicaragua with supplies. 

     People in the village of Los Brasiles, a suburb of Managua, have benefited from Trashwater campaigns to improve their lives.  Thousands of families have attended 'water filtration/hygiene' seminars.  Information is shared and exchanged so that no person gets sick.

     "Seven years ago we met a teenager in Los Brasiles named 'Luis',"  Josh said.  "He wanted to help, so we bought him a toolbox to do small repairs.  

     Now, he's mastered the English language, gone to college, and has returned to help his village with water and sanitation.  We're raising funds to buy him a truck, next."

     In developing nations like Nicaragua and Haiti, it is estimated that 1 in 7 people do not have clean water. 

     The group will take a member of Atlanta-based CDC to the village in May.  This person will start measuring the impact of Trashwater's efforts by going door-to-door for data collection and Geo-tagging.

     "You can't just go to a place like this and just help with water," said Josh, "... we've effected peoples health with sanitation, improved cooking pots and elements to stop cross-contamination."

     The group uses Facebook to communicate their trip details and needs.

     ---Ray Macon