How We Work

Water Engineers for the Americas & Africa (WEFTA) only works where we are invited to do so, and all our work is completed by our team made up of professional advisors, volunteers, in-country technical experts, and engaged community members.

To ensure the success of our projects, the following process occurs:

  • A community in need of clean water and/or sanitation can submit a project to WEFTA. WEFTA is not a funding source, instead, we work with our team including the beneficiary community to find the financial support necessary to complete the project and ensure sustainability.
  • WEFTA professional advisors and volunteers specialized in the design and development of water and/or sanitation systems (i.e.: water source development and treatment; water storage and distribution; wastewater collection, treatment and disposal; etc.). Our team visits the community, meets with leaders, assesses the needs, and then works to develop options for addressing the project together with local leadership.
  • Project funding is coordinated to match the corresponding needs of the community, and to complement the funding available in-country. WEFTA requires that at least 25% of the total project cost is contributed by the beneficiaries whether as project fees, or in-kind contributions in the form of local construction materials and labor.
  • WEFTA volunteers and/or in-country Circuit Riders visit the community to provide technical assistance and oversight during construction, as well as instructions on best practices for long-term operation and maintenance of the systems.
  • The WEFTA team visits the community and project beneficiaries for several years after completion to ensure the water and/or sanitation systems constructed remain viable and sustainable on a technical, environmental, social, managerial, and financial level.

Learn more about Where We Work and our projects & programs that need funding.