Why Project Zero comes first.
FIELDWATER’s first public fundraising appeal should be grounded in work we have actually done. Project Zero is where we establish that record: the starting condition, selected repairs, costs, delivery, testing, and follow-up.
Malawi is the starting point for a global mission. No individual site has been selected or publicly verified yet, and no completed results are claimed.
What we are looking for.
Failed, unreliable, or unsafe existing community water systems where a practical intervention can restore dependable service. We will consider the strongest combination of suitable repairs rather than force the whole initiative into one system.
- The source of the failure can be understood and the proposed fix explained.
- The system serves a documented community need.
- Parts, skills, access, and testing can be planned realistically.
- Maintenance and follow-up arrangements can be strengthened through the work.
Restoration comes first. New infrastructure is a limited exception when rehabilitation cannot provide a sound solution. The 1,000+ reach figure is a goal across the initiative, not a minimum for every repair.
How the field work will happen.
Assessment will determine the scope before repair commitments are made. FIELDWATER will coordinate practical work and hire specialist support where machinery, custom tools, or tasks beyond available capabilities are required.
The schedule will follow the work. Parts availability, access, specialist tasks, and testing may make a shorter visit, a longer visit, or separate visits appropriate. Dates and contractors are not confirmed.
A ceiling—not a spending target.
The combined founder/PÛR field budget is capped at $15,000. There is no minimum spend and no requirement to use the full amount. Founder travel and lodging are accounted for separately.
| Budget category | Current status |
|---|---|
| Assessment and technical support | To be scoped |
| Repair parts, equipment and transport | Quotes pending site selection |
| Contracted specialist work | Based on selected repairs |
| Testing, handover and follow-up | Plan to be established per system |
| Combined field-work maximum | $15,000 |
Each repair will have its own cost record within the combined ceiling. Subsequent projects will have needs-based budgets of their own.
What the project record will show.
As work progresses, this page will retain the original plan alongside actual delivery and results.
- System condition and the evidence behind the need.
- Selected scope, estimates, and approved changes.
- Work completed, photographs, and field notes.
- Planned versus actual spending.
- Functionality and water-testing evidence, with dates and limitations.
- People reached, the basis for that estimate, and follow-up findings.
Water flowing alone will not be presented as proof that it is safe to drink. Unresolved issues and setbacks belong in the record too.
Current record.
Scope established. Site selection still ahead.
Malawi, restoration-first delivery, the combined field budget ceiling, and the multi-system approach are established. Site assessments, final scope, cost quotes, delivery dates, and verification arrangements remain outstanding.
There are no completed repairs, verified beneficiary counts, or water-test results to publish yet.