Locations#SheDisrupts2023 Startup Stories: Improving the Accessibility of Safe and Clean Water
June 16, 2023
Terra Water has been operating in Indonesia for 2.5 years, offering ceramic water filters and a range of complementary products made from locally sourced, all-natural ingredients.
During her visit to Indonesia, Christine, the CEO of TerraWater, discovered a deeply concerning issue. The country's infrastructure development has overlooked the critical importance of drinking water. This oversight affects both urban areas like Bali and inter-urban regions like Jakarta, where accessing safe water sources remains a significant challenge.
With a background focused on public health and healthcare in the humanitarian sector, Christine carefully examined Indonesia's water challenges. She identified significant gaps in the availability of affordable and safe drinking water. It was evident that many Indonesian families resort to boiling water as a means of purification, but unfortunately, this method often falls short in eliminating harmful bacteria. Tragically, this inadequacy contributes to a distressing 20% of childhood deaths among children under five.
Christine worked in Guatemala for six years, where she served in women's reproductive healthcare, she witnessed the pressing issue of clean water access. While traveling for work, she encountered an organization that had devised an ingenious solution—a natural water filter crafted from clay. This innovative filter not only offered a sustainable alternative to plastic water bottles but also proved effective in both rural villages and urban areas, addressing the challenge of clean water access in diverse settings.
She recognized the parallels between her experiences in Guatemala and the challenges faced by Indonesian communities, where 18 million lack access to safe water and 20 million lack improved sanitation.[1] The country ranks as the second-largest marine plastic polluter in the world, contributing a staggering 8 million tons annually.[2]Amidst this landscape, Christine saw a compelling opportunity for her business solution to thrive by leveraging the cultural affinity for clay and the absence of widespread filtration practices.
Terra Water's commitment to water sanitation and hygiene contributes to the SDGs by ensuring access to safe water.
Terra Water's commitment to water sanitation and hygiene contributes to the SDGs by ensuring access to safe water.
Driven by the goal of ensuring access to safe drinking water for every family in Indonesia, regardless of their socioeconomic status, Terra Water was established. The social startup offers ceramic filters made from natural ingredients, providing sustainable and affordable on-demand safe drinking water. Microbiological tests confirm their efficacy in removing bacteria, viruses, small parasites, particles, chemicals, and toxins. Praised for their ease of use and cultural appropriateness, these filters utilize locally sourced clay, a material deeply rooted in traditional ceramic craftsmanship.
Terra Water has emerged to be the grand prize winner of She Disrupts Indonesia 2023, a venture competition and pre-acceleration program that focuses on women-led ventures and ventures with women beneficiaries, launched by Creatella Impact, Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Moonshot Ventures, UN Women, Monks Hill Ventures and UNDP through ASSIST JP supported by Joint SDG Fund.
The motivation behind Christine's participation in She Disrupts stems from Terra Water's dual identity as both a social enterprise and foundation. With a hybrid model that aims for financial sustainability and reliance on project funding through donations, Terra Water faces challenges in generating immediate profits. However, the She Disrupts program provided a platform for accelerated competition and exposure to various capital interests, paving new avenues for impactful growth.
In Indonesia, Christine sheds light on the gender disparity in water access, where women are primarily responsible for managing household water and well-being. However, Terra Water's impact tracking revealed that patriarchal norms often exclude women from water-related conversations, disregarding their experiences. This perpetuates the marginalization of women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene services. To address this, it is crucial to adopt a gender lens and involve them in the planning, decision-making, and governance of water-related services.
Terra Water has emerged to be the grand prize winner of She Disrupts Indonesia 2023, a venture competition and pre-acceleration program that focuses on women-led ventures and ventures with women beneficiaries.
"Women are underrepresented, and this is a reality we must acknowledge. However, during my time in Indonesia, I've been heartened by the sight of many empowered and determined women in the country, which gives me hope. It's in this inclusive environment that I believe She Disrupts can thrive, empowering women entrepreneurs and paving the way for women-led social enterprises to flourish. Indonesia has the potential to be a trailblazer, demonstrating that if it can work here, it can work anywhere, challenging the status quo and bringing about greater gender representation" she stated.
Terra Water's commitment to water sanitation and hygiene contributes to the SDGs by ensuring access to safe water. By educating on water hygiene and providing clean water solutions, Terra Water empowers people by saving them time and enabling economic opportunities. Their clean and affordable Terra Water Filter eliminates CO2 emissions from boiling water, while their sustainable practices and commitment to gender equity ensure long-term impact. By easing the burden of water provision and improving quality of life, Terra Water brings us closer to achieving water access for every family in Indonesia.
Terra Water has been operating in Indonesia for 2.5 years, offering ceramic water filters and a range of complementary products made from locally sourced, all-natural ingredients. Their sustainable and affordable solutions are available on major e-commerce platforms and their website (terrawaterindonesia.com).
Written by Fathi Arsadipura and Adzraa Shaffa Andira (Innovative Financing Lab, UNDP Indonesia)
Edited by Enggi Dewanti
