Key visual showing a face constructed by many people of different ethnicities

worldwide water stories

As pioneers in household water filtration, we aim to provide high quality refreshing water everywhere. And because we care about water, we created this platform.

But we are not alone in this. There are innovators, companies, and visionaries who also care for water ­– and who overcome water scarcity with innovative solutions. Their stories are blueprints for a future where access to clean water is a universal reality. We invite you to discover their stories – the Worldwide Water Stories.

Start now
Decorative circle
Decorative circle
Decorative circle

As a responsible family business this project is a timely reminder of the urgency to address water-related issues on a global scale: 2,2 billion people worldwide do not have regular access to clean water!

pillars

The groundwater issue

Beneath our feet lies groundwater, the planet's hidden treasure and the most vital resource for life. Yet, this crucial supply is unevenly distributed: 2.2 billion people lack access to clean water, with 785 million not having even basic drinking water services. This crisis is rooted in three main problems that demand our immediate attention:

Lack of access

Groundwater Access Icon
Pillars Graphic Reflection
Pillars Graphic Reflection
Pillars Graphic Water

Artificial scarcity

Groundwater Scarcity Icon
Pillars Graphic Reflection
Pillars Graphic Reflection
Pillars Graphic Water

Poor quality

Groundwater Quality Icon
Pillars Graphic Reflection
Pillars Graphic Reflection
Pillars Graphic Water

Lack of access

One of the three main problems is both obvious and serious: a complete lack of access to groundwater. This is due to factors such as geological conditions, climate change, and insufficient funding for development. These challenges necessitate innovative, intelligent and creative solutions.

Artificial scarcity

Across the globe, the reasons for the artificial scarcity of groundwater are complex. Many factors contribute to this issue: corporations acquire pumping rights, governments control access to groundwater, and water even becomes a weapon in wars. Additionally, agriculture and tourism significantly deplete our essential groundwater resources.

Poor quality

The third issue, arising from agricultural practices, industrial pollution, raw material extraction, and urban wastewater, is essentially another consequence of human actions. But therein lies an unprecedented opportunity for change. We believe in the power of both collective action and individual commitment to forge a path toward a brighter, water-secure future.

Decorative circle
Decorative circle

Many, like us, are actively contributing to addressing this crisis. With the Worldwide Water Stories, our aim is to actively listen and amplify the voices of others.

hero-stories
Viva con Agua co-founder Michael Fritz

Michael Fritz

Co-founder of Viva con Agua

Michael and his non-profit organisation bring clean water to communities in the global South. By harnessing the power of music festivals, concerts, and cultural events they raise vital funds. Discover the power of the Viva con Agua community and its fascinating story.

Eric Bosire standing on a field on a cloudy day

Eric Bosire

CEO & Founder of Irri-Hub

Have you ever dreamed of growing strawberries in the Kenyan desert? Eric has made that dream come true. And he is helping more and more smallholder farmers realise their dreams too. Discover his story!

Portrait of Saúl Oliva Cabrera at sunset

Saúl Oliva Cabrera

Technician of Life Nieblas

Should we wish for more fog? After this story, maybe yes. Because as Saúl shows, fog can help create a fully grown forest that’s capable of self-sustaining and supplying water to itself and the surrounding area. Discover this story about Saúl’s promising idea.

Water activist Helen Moffet in her office

Helen Moffett

Blogger & Activist

Water queues like airport security lines. Water rationing by law enforcement. Welcome to Day Zero. Helen Moffett witnessed Cape Town's battle against Day Zero in 2018. Now, as a water activist, she's on a mission to promote water conservation. Can she convince us all?

stories

Navigate on the map or use the arrows to discover all Worldwide Water Stories.

Michael Fritz, Co-founder of Viva con Agua
groundwater-access Icon

Germany: Donate while dancing?

Michael shares the journey from vibrant festivals in Germany to constructing wells far and wide. The goal? To hydrate the world. Dive into his fascinating story.

View full story
Eric Bosire standing on a field on a cloud day
groundwater-access Icon

Kenya: Let's grow in the desert

Find out if strawberries can grow in the Kenyan desert and what an important role water plays in revolutionising agriculture there.  

View full story
Portrait of Saúl Oliva Cabrera at sunset
groundwater-access Icon

Spain: Ever seen a fog catcher?

Discover Saúl’s promising idea to create a fully grown forest with fog that’s capable of self-sustaining and supplying water to itself and the surrounding area.

View full story
Water activist and blogger Helen Moffet
groundwater-scarcity Icon

South Africa: When a city runs out of water

Water queues like airport security lines. Rationing by law enforcement. Welcome to Day Zero. Wondering what Day Zero means? Find out!

View full story
Portrait of Hedi Dhaouadi
groundwater-access Icon

France: Where air turns into water

Would you like to know if there's an innovative machine that turns air into fresh, clean drinking water? Then check out this story!

View full story
Portrait of Selma Schwab
groundwater-scarcity Icon

Germany: How beautiful should a carrot be?

Selma Schwab from 'Remlinger Rüben farm' also asked herself this question. The answer includes, among other things, a completely new irrigation method. Find out what else!

View full story
Portrait of Shana Fatina
groundwater-access Icon

Indonesia: How water fuels development

Discover how a strong woman improved water quality in the remote areas of Indonesia.

View full story
Portrait of Victor Coenen
groundwater-scarcity Icon

Indonesia: How sinking cities are rising

Read our interview with flood manager Victor Coenen and find out exciting information about the rescue of the sinking city of Jakarta.

View full story
Portrait of Dr. Praveen Kumar
groundwater-access Icon

United States: The hidden treasure right in front of us

Read the interview with Dr. Praveen Kumar and learn how to harvest oceanic water vapor on a large scale.

View full story
Portrait of Mohsen Makki in front of world map
groundwater-scarcity Icon

Iran: Learning from ancient water wisdom

Ever heard of Qanats? Find out and let yourself be inspired by these ancient ‘lifelines’ between people and their environment. 

View full story
Portrait of Amrit On Nayak
groundwater-quality Icon

India: Building hope drop by drop

Amrit On Nayak and his company, IndraWater, work to restore the most important resource to his country: water.

View full story
Portrait of Sid Vollebregt in front of world map
groundwater-quality Icon

Madagascar: Solving water scarcity with sea, sun, earth and wind!

Watch the video and read the story about turning sea water into clean drinking water using only solar energy.

View full story
Portrait of Reyanne Mustafa
groundwater-scarcity Icon

USA: An organisation against oceanic waste

How to fight against oceanic waste? Find out and let yourself be inspired by these powerful Wavemaker.

View full story
faq

FAQ

impact

The BRITA impact: being a part of the solution

 

  • As a company, we are intensively involved around the globe, both ecologically and charitably. This is in our DNA. But we want to do even more. Some of our charitable projects have been running for years. For example, BRITA has been working together with Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) to protect the oceans from plastic waste protecting whales and dolphins since 2016.
  • We are deeply committed to sustainability and have been pioneers in our industry by recycling our cartridges since 1992. Our mission extends beyond providing people with filtered water; we aspire to make a tangible, positive impact on the world. For instance, every BRITA product plays a decisive role in significantly reducing the number of plastic bottles destined for landfills, the countryside, or the oceans. In 2022 alone, we successfully replaced 5 billion 1-liter bottles, propelling us towards our goal of averting 6.5 billion bottles annually by 2025.
  • After getting to know Irri-Hub at the end of 2023, we donated 15,000 euros to support more small farmers in Kenya.
  • Since the beginning of the year 2024, we have been cooperating with Viva con Agua in the dispenser business sector. The international organisation headquartered in Hamburg, is advocating for the human right to clean drinking water and sanitation. Since its founding in 2006, the non-profit association Viva con Agua along with a strong community and partner organisations, has reached 4.2 million people. 
  • Our pipe-connected water dispensers offer companies, public institutions, hotels, care facilities, and restaurants the opportunity to provide filtered and always fresh water at the touch of a button. CO2 emissions are saved as well by avoiding bottled water transportation and costs when compared to bottled and gallon-contained water.
Decorative circle
Portrait of Markus Hankammer CEO of BRITA
Decorative circle
Markus Hankammer
CEO BRITA

“The responsible use of water is a matter that remains close to our hearts.”