Water Team Trips

Our water projects have helped over 500,000 people in 25 different countries gain reliable access to safe drinking water.

Most Canadians have the luxury of turning on a tap and being able to drink clean water without worry. In many developing countries, women and children walk long distances just to access river or lake water to drink, cook with, and bathe in. These water sources, when they’re actually available, are often contaminated by fecal waste, bacteria, parasites, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals. 

We work with local in-country partners to provide communities with low-tech, inexpensive water tools that connect families with safe, dependable sources of water.

Many of those projects are delivered by volunteer water teams from Canada. Our ‘Trippers’ learn how to install life-changing clean water tools and deliver clean water projects in different countries around the world. Whether it’s drilling a well or installing a water purification system, the delivery of each water project is a life changing experience for volunteers and the communities they support.

Here's how to get started as a 'Tripper':

STEP 1 - Contact Us: Project teams can be as small as two trippers or as large as ten trippers but space is always limited in order to maximize direct-funding to a water project. If you're interested in joining an upcoming water team trip, please contact Team and Events Coordinator Ursula Devolin at
[email protected].

STEP 2 - Set Up Your Page: Every tripper must have their own fundraising page. Once we've confirmed you as a participant for an upcoming trip, we'll send you a special code that you can use set up your personal fundraising page linked to your water team. Trip spaces are limited and the code guarantees access to your spot and the fundraising platform.

STEP 3 - Set a Goal and a Timeline: Every tripper must raise $4,000 to cover the cost of their trip and support the cost of the water project they will be delivering. Give yourself plenty of time to work towards your fundraising goal. You can cover the entire cost yourself, rely on donations from friends and family, or a mix of both. The full cost of the trip must be raised before you can leave for your trip.

STEP 3 - Personalize Your Page: Each personal fundraising page comes with a default message to your supporters. You should customize this message to reflect your reasons for becoming a tripper and any details you'd like to share about your journey. Remember to get personal – let your friends and family know why this water project means so much to you and how they can help you make it a reality.

STEP 4 - Share Your Page: Raising awareness about your trip, and dollars to help fund it, will require you to share your page with your network. Remember to post your page on all of your social media profiles and make sure to send it to your friends and family by email.

STEP 5 - Update Your Network: Once you've completed your fundraising, packed for your trip, and arrived on the ground, keep updating your page so your supporters can follow along with your trip. You'll be able to write updates, share photos, and even videos with your followers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do we do on a water project trip?

You might drill a well or repair one, install a water chlorination system or filter, and teach basic hygiene practices. Each trip is different, depending on the need.

What countries will I travel to?

Most of our current projects are in Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. For a full list of our water project locations, visit our Water Projects page.

How long is a water project team trip?

Our water project trips are usually between 7 to 10 days long, depending on the project and the availability of our in-country partners.

Do you provide training for water project teams?

Training is not required as your team leader and/or in-country partner will guide you throughout your trip. However, attending an annual water training camp is highly recommended. We offer a reduced rate for volunteers attending a training camp who are registered for an upcoming water project trip.

How are team trips and team projects funded?

Volunteers are expected to contribute to the cost of the water project and cover the full cost of their trip including airfare; hotels; in transit and in-country meals; accommodations; ground transportation; and administrative fees. Volunteers can either pay their own way or fundraise to cover the total tripper cost of $4,000.

When do I have to decide if I want to be a part of a trip team?

You should give yourself at least four months of lead time before going on a trip. This will give you enough time to get and submit all required documents and forms, as well as the chance to raise funds and get require and suggested travel vaccinations.