In many developing countries, access to clean water is a critical issue. In 2020, one in four people lacked clean water, with rural communities facing the greatest challenges. Pollution, climate change, and contamination from agriculture and manufacturing have further polluted the freshwater sources we have globally.

Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) offers a solution for communities struggling with waterborne illnesses.

A group of people surround rows of filled water bottles in a village
A 3D render of 6 of Forward Education's Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) project builds sitting on a windowsill.

In today’s lesson, we’ll explore how the SODIS process works to improve health and reduce poverty. Then, we’ll create a SODIS timer using the Climate Action Kit.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The SDGs are 17 goals created by the United Nations to make the world a better place. This lesson is connected to Goals 3, 5, 6, and 13.

As we build our SODIS timers, consider these questions:

  • How can providing access to safe and clean drinking water decrease waterborne illnesses around the world?
  • How can increasing access to clean and safe drinking water support community development? 
  • How do you think increasing access to clean drinking water can help contribute to gender equality?
  • How do you think pollution impacts access to clean water?
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 3, good health and well-being
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 5, gender equality
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 6, Clean water and sanitation
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 13, Climate Action