Triple Quest (www.triplequest.com), global distributor of the Hydraid® BioSand Water Filter, today announced the arrival of 2,250 additional Hydraid® filters in the Dominican Republic. The delivery completes the final phase of a broad-based, two-year collaboration to provide 9,000 of the innovative safe water filters to local families in need.

Facilitated by Rotary, the initiative has involved more than 100 of the organization’s North American clubs, the Rotary Foundation, the Peace Corps, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), numerous Dominican Republic organizations and Project Las Americas, a Colorado-based non-profit whose primary aid focus includes the Dominican Republic.  Through their combined efforts, the partners have successfully implemented a sustainable program of household-level water treatment and education that is helping to relieve the enormous burden of diarrheal disease and other life-threatening illnesses for more than 45,000 people in one of the Caribbean region’s largest nations.

“These filters, installed in local homes and schools, are providing thousands of children and families with long-term access to safe drinking water,” said Bob Hildreth, Rotary Water Resources Chairman for the Dominican Republic and Project Las Americas Executive Director. “The combination of Hydraid® technological reliability and the introduction of an effective behavioral intervention model is enabling families to successfully incorporate water treatment into their everyday lives.

“We have seen firsthand how consistent access to safe water greatly improves family health by reducing both intestinal and skin pathogens,” added Hildreth.  “We’ve also found that water treatment systems are empowering women, creating a sense of pride from the opportunity to provide enhanced care for their children.  We hope to carry this innovative water treatment and education approach forward into other developing countries, improving the quality of life for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable populations.”

The safe water partnership’s initial shipment of 2,250 Hydraid® filters to the Dominican Republic took place in 2010, followed by a second- and third-phase delivery in 2011. The latest shipment of filters, which is scheduled to arrive in Santiago on April 25th, marks the fulfillment of the partners’ commitment to make a significant health impact in communities throughout the Dominican Republic.

 “We are proud participants in this forward-looking community of collaborators focused on meeting a critical need in the Dominican Republic, and are pleased that the Hydraid® filter can once again demonstrate its critical value in a real-world setting,” noted Christina Keller, Triple Quest business unit leader.  “This latest implementation highlights the kind of profound outcome that is possible when organizations with global reach come together around a shared vision and innovative technology.”

Hydraid® BioSand Water Filter

The Hydraid® filter is a simple, lightweight unit with no moving parts. Users can reduce biological contaminants by pouring surface or ground water through the filter to obtain water that is safe for drinking, food preparation, personal hygiene and sanitation. Powered by gravity and with no parts to replace, the Hydraid® BioSand Water Filter is extremely durable and lasts beyond 10 years, making it the most sustainable filter available today. More than 55,000 Hydraid® filters have been distributed in over 35 developing countries worldwide.

About Triple Quest

Triple Quest is a collaborative venture involving Cascade Engineering and The Windquest Group, a West Michigan-based private investment fund.  Triple Quest is a social enterprise that is sustainable based on the production and sales of essential products to families in developing countries, primarily through non-government organizations. Triple Quest accomplishes its work through a variety of partnerships, including nonprofit groups Safe Water Team, Thirsting to Serve, Global Sustainable Partnerships, Rotary and Pure Water for the World; socially responsible companies such as Amway, Dow, Bobble and Lighthouse Foods; and the U.S. Navy’s Project Handclasp logistics support initiative.

To learn more about the Hydraid® BioSand Water Filter, visit http://www.triplequest.com.

Cascade Engineering

Cascade Engineering

Cascade Engineering is a manufacturer and marketer of multiple products and services supporting a variety of industries including renewable energy, automotive, commercial truck & bus, solid waste & recycling, material compounding, furniture, RFID, and material handling. The Cascade Engineering Family Of Companies is a global company with more than 1,200 employees and 14 business units.

Cascade's world-class engineering, technology and manufacturing allows it to provide leading-edge solutions, while maintaining a strong commitment to lean manufacturing and environmental stewardship. Cascade's business model is rooted in diversification and innovation and a commitment to creating sustainable products and services that contribute to the triple bottom line.

More from Cascade Engineering