At the end of April 2025, a community in eastern Lombok Island (Indonesia) experienced a significant transformation that will sustainably improve the lives of many children and teachers. Two employees from Xylem Analytics Germany traveled to the SDN 1 Gereneng Timur School with the Planet Water Foundation to install an innovative AquaTower. The project is an impressive example of social commitment, sustainable water solutions, and strong collaboration.
The Background: Why Clean Water Is So Important
In many parts of Indonesia, especially in rural areas like East Lombok, access to clean drinking water remains a major challenge. Many residents rely on water from a well (which is often contaminated with germs) or bottled water (which is expensive and pollutes the environment). For the children in the region, this not only poses health risks but also limits their daily school life. The lack of easy access to drinking water often leads to illnesses that impair children's development and can make it difficult for them to attend school.
Against this backdrop, the project that the Xylem team implemented together with the Planet Water Foundation is a significant step toward sustainably improving the quality of life. It's not just about installing a water tower, but also about promoting hygiene, education, and community spirit.
Construction of the AquaTower: A Community Project
At the end of April, the time had finally come: Two employees from Xylem Analytics Germany, Torsten Prüfer and Sebastian Mann, traveled to Indonesia to build the AquaTower together with local volunteers. They were supported by two colleagues from Jakarta, Roby Setia Budi and Fransidy Kurnia. The collaboration of all participants was characterized by commitment, mutual respect, and the shared goal of creating a sustainable solution for the community.
Construction of the AquaTower was a logistical challenge, but also an opportunity for valuable knowledge and cultural exchange. The teams worked hand in hand to expertly install the water tower components. The AquaTower consists of a robust, weatherproof aluminum frame resting on a stable foundation. The heart of the system is the filter system, which was mounted directly on the water tower.
The Water Tower: A Symbol of Hope and Sustainability
The AquaTower is more than just a technical device – it is a symbol of hope, progress, and sustainable development. It supplies the school with filtered spring water and, uniquely, it operates without electricity. The filtration system uses innovative technologies that allow the water to be purified efficiently and reliably without relying on external energy sources.
The system is designed to be maintained and cleaned independently by the on-site teachers. This means the school is self-sufficient in the long term and maintenance costs are kept to a minimum. Teachers and students have been trained in the use of the system to ensure that the water always remains hygienically clean.
Positive Impact on the Community
With the AquaTower in operation, over 200 children at the school benefit from clean water every day. They can now drink water without worrying about germs or contamination, wash their hands, and thus significantly improve their health. This not only contributes to a reduction in disease but also promotes awareness of hygiene and cleanliness throughout the community. In class, the students learn the importance of using water responsibly and developing hygienic habits that will stay with them throughout their lives. It is a great relief for the teachers, as they now have a reliable and safe water source that simplifies everyday school life and improves learning conditions.
Furthermore, the project helped strengthen local bonds – as the community was actively involved in its construction and ongoing maintenance. The collaboration between the volunteers, teachers, students, and organizations demonstrates how shared commitment can bring about lasting change. It is an example of how technological innovations combined with education and a sense of community can help reduce poverty and health risks.
Outlook: Sustainability and Future Prospects
The Planet Water Foundation will regularly visit the project over the next four years to support the school in maintaining the water tower, impart educational content, and ensure its sustainable use. This ongoing support is crucial to ensuring long-term success and empowering the community to develop its own solutions.
The success of this project demonstrates the importance of combining innovative water solutions with educational activities. It's proof that sustainable change is possible through collaboration, donations, and the commitment of everyone involved. The Xylem team and the Planet Water Foundation are committed to supporting other communities with similar solutions, thus contributing to a world where everyone has access to clean water.
Conclusion: Working together for a better future
This project in Indonesia is an inspiration for how technological innovation, social responsibility, and community engagement can work hand in hand to sustainably improve the lives of many people. It shows that every contribution – no matter how big or small – can make a difference. With the support of committed companies, social organizations, and individuals, we can work together to address the global water crisis and create a future where clean water is accessible to all.
Let's continue working together to solve water problems and make the world a better place. Let's solve water!