Water for the World aims at fostering knowledge and partnerships to deliver sustainable solutions that can make a difference to the access and management of fresh water and sanitation.
The following case stories illustrate partnerships, knowledge and solutions in action. We will regularly report on progresses and projects development. To subscribe to our news update please register as a water friend.
The “Water School” – a learning tool for next generation water consumers
Clean water runs from our taps and waste water goes down our drains. Often the existence of water and waste water works is only noticed when problems occur whether water shortage to waste water pollution.
Water for the World actively seeks to raise awareness of the variety of water challenge in local communities. In Finland, Borealis partnered with WANDER Nordic Water and Materials Institute and the Finnish Water and Waste Water Works Association, to develop and launch a ‘virtual’ Water School - the vesikoulu – a web-based learning environment directed to schoolchildren.
More [PDF]
Raising awareness with a “Troubled Waters” exhibition
Water is too often taken for granted by most people, industry or farmers. Raising awareness of the scale and range of water challenges is therefore a key step to engage staff and communities in better using and preserving their water resources.
To raise awareness and encourage a more efficient use of this precious resource, Borealis has initiated a Water for the Wold exhibition tour with Dieter Telemans “troubled waters” photos which document and reflect the global water crisis
Since its launch in November 2008 the exhibition has already visited 10 communities in 5 countries and will continue touring throughout 2010. More [PDF]
Whether it is the fuel that makes our cars run or the packaging that keeps our food fresh, the products we use every day require a large amount of water to produce. In a water stressed world, the water footprint of products will be a key environmental indicator in the drive towards an increased sustainable development.
For the first time, Borealis and the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) have investigated the water footprint of plastics materials. More [PDF]
Addressing Vietnam's water and sanitation challenges
Vietnam has been experiencing rapid economic growth and over the last 10 years 20 million people have been lifted out of poverty. Despite this achievement many people still do not have access to safe water and adequate sanitation. Many of the country’s water pipes are old and leaking, and a recent survey showed that only 18 % of rural communities had sanitation facilities that met the government’s hygiene standards.
To aid change, Borouge is working with the Vietnamese Water Supply Association and universities to improve training and education in water and sanitation.More [PDF]
The challenges of India's growth for water and sanitation
Whilst population and economic growth in India continues unabated, the state of water and sanitation infrastructure is a cause for concern. Although the government is increasing infrastructure expenditure, population increases and migration to urban areas means that much still remains to be done.
But, with water and sanitation systems often left behind in the call on resources, high leakage and pollution are building up costs for today and serious health problems for the future. Active in India with a range of projects, Water for the World reviews the challenges that the water and sanitation systems face in the country.More [PDF]
Pioneering the first plastics pipe academy in the Middle East
Establishing long-term and sustainable water solutions is of paramount importance in the Middle East, one of the world’s most water stressed and fastest growing regions in the world. It requires applying the highest quality standards and improving installation and maintenance techniques.
Initiated by Borouge, the Gulf Plastics Pipe Academy (GPPA) is a pioneering organisation with the mission of raising standards as well as providing knowledge and expertise along the entire water value chain.More [PDF]
Providing a model for sustainable investments with the “Whole Life Costing”
Together with Thames Water and UK pipe producer GPS, Borealis developed the first model for the Whole Life Costing of a large water pipe system.
To allow real comparison between options, the WLC model calculates all costs associated with a project throughout its life cycle, from material costs to installation and maintenance.
This pioneering research gives network designers and operators a base to inform decisions and make more sustainable investments.More [PDF]
Clean water runs from our taps and waste water goes down our drains. Often the existence of water and waste water works is only noticed when problems occur whether water shortage to waste water pollution.
Water is too often taken for granted by most people, industry or farmers. Raising awareness of the scale and range of water challenges is therefore a key step to engage staff and communities in better using and preserving their water resources.
Whether it is the fuel that makes our cars run or the packaging that keeps our food fresh, the products we use every day require a large amount of water to produce. In a water stressed world, the water footprint of products will be a key environmental indicator in the drive towards an increased sustainable development.
Vietnam has been experiencing rapid economic growth and over the last 10 years 20 million people have been lifted out of poverty. Despite this achievement many people still do not have access to safe water and adequate sanitation. Many of the country’s water pipes are old and leaking, and a recent survey showed that only 18 % of rural communities had sanitation facilities that met the government’s hygiene standards. 
Whilst population and economic growth in India continues unabated, the state of water and sanitation infrastructure is a cause for concern. Although the government is increasing infrastructure expenditure, population increases and migration to urban areas means that much still remains to be done. 
Establishing long-term and sustainable water solutions is of paramount importance in the Middle East, one of the world’s most water stressed and fastest growing regions in the world. It requires applying the highest quality standards and improving installation and maintenance techniques. 
Together with Thames Water and UK pipe producer GPS, Borealis developed the first model for the Whole Life Costing of a large water pipe system.