
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about Water for South Sudan, our mission, and how your support helps bring clean water and lasting change to communities in need.
We’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions about our work—how we drill wells, where we work, how donations are used, and how you can get involved. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us directly!
About WFSS
-
WFSS mainly drills in rural villages in the Bahr el Ghazal region of South Sudan.
Additionally, WFSS has also completed projects in the following areas:
States: Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Jongolei, Lake State, Unity, Upper Nile, Warrap, and Western Equatoria
Administration Areas: Abyei, Pibor, and Reweng
-
WFSS is supported by donors from all 50 states and 77 other countries: individuals, schools, faith-based groups, family foundations, and civic organizations. WFSS does not receive funding from the US or South Sudan governments.
-
Since 2003, supporters have contributed more than $23 million to support clean water projects in South Sudan.
-
Program Expenses percentage for fiscal year 2024: 74.4%
Overhead Percentage for fiscal year 2024: 25.6%.
-
U.S. goals: raise funds to support the work being implemented by the local South Sudan team through individual, school, and foundational support and share the work being implemented by the South Sudan team with supporters via email, web, and social media.
South Sudan goals: implement solutions for sustainable access to clean water:
new well drilling
well rehabilitation
solar-powered water storage and distribution systems
latrine construction and repair
hygiene awareness
train local community members to manage their own water supply
empower communities to sustain their water source for years to come
grow local employment opportunities.
Additionally, the South Sudan team has created the Water Institute, a non-governmental training institute focused on developing workforce capacity in the water sector—a key priority for South Sudan’s transition to a secure water future. Water Institute training programs include:
Water Quality for Climate Adaptation
Low-Cost Technologies for Rural Water Supply - Fabrication (of materials to construct rope pumps for household use) and Manual Drilling
Didactic Training (best practices in teaching methodology and approach)
Sanitation, Hygiene and Household Water Treatment
Water for Agriculture
-
One of the most important strategies is working with local people in South Sudan. WFSS employees are all South Sudanese, speak the languages of the people they serve, and understand the culture of their communities. This helps shape the projects implemented in rural communities.
A Long Walk to Water has been a significant reason so many people know about Salva and Water for South Sudan. Teachers, students, and family members read the book and want to help. This has expanded awareness to a global level (likely the reason you contacted WFSS) and has made this critical work possible because of the generosity of people worldwide. We do not receive support from the US or South Sudan government. Individuals, schools, faith-based organizations, and foundations support our work—we can only do our work with the support of people like you!
-
Well Drilling—more than 640 wells have been drilled in remote South Sudanese villages since 2005, providing water to more than 500,000 people.
Well Rehabilitation—over time, the cement platform of older wells can break down, causing damage to the area surrounding the well. WFSS has rehabbed more than 450 wells since 2017. The organization also responds to requests to repair wells drilled by other organizations—this could entail repairs to the cement, replacement of broken hand pump parts, or digging deeper into the earth to reach the refillable aquifer—to bring the well back to working order.
Hygiene Education Training—in each village where a new or rehabbed well project is conducted, four men and four women receive basic hygiene training. This training includes the topics of personal hygiene, water safety, safe disposal of human waste, and disease prevention. Additionally, we train women on basic menstrual hygiene. More than 400 hygiene training programs have been completed since 2014.
Sanitation (toilet facilities/latrines)— Our team builds latrines over a community-maintained septic system, and communities work with local companies to manage regular septic pumping. The latrine design also includes a mandatory handwashing station outside the facility. The school ensures soap and water for handwashing are available daily. The latrine design allows for future expansion of additional toilet facilities. Child Hygiene and Sanitation Training (CHAST) is also completed as part of project implementation. Since 2018, we have constructed a latrine at the Piantok Primary School and partnered with Norwegian Church Aid and UNICEF to build emergency latrines, rehabilitate older latrines, and construct long-term latrine facilities in Upper Nile State, totaling 34 new or rehabbed latrines.
Water Storage and Distribution— Since 2021, WFSS has constructed more than 10 water storage and distribution systems. The systems use solar-powered technology to pump water into a raised storage tank. Gravity then allows the water to flow through underground pipes to water kiosks located at the school, market center, garden, health clinic, and animal trough within the county. These systems expand the distribution of water to thousands of people instead of hundreds and decrease the wait times at the water source.
-
The total cost of drilling a new water well is $20,000. For more information, visit our sponsorships page.
-
There are natural refillable aquifers (up to 300 feet) below the earth in South Sudan. The cycle of evaporation and annual rains make the aquifer renewable.
-
Once WFSS determines the area of the country where work will be implemented, consultations with the Government of South Sudan, county governments, and community leaders are necessary to decide on the placement of wells. Village elders and chiefs are tasked with determining the specific location of the well to serve residents. Once drilled, wells become the property of the village, so it is vital that community leaders are involved in well placement decisions.
-
A standard India Mark II hand pump—the most commonly used hand pump in the world—can produce about 15 liters (4 gallons) of water per minute. If it's used consistently over a 12-hour period, that adds up to approximately 10,800 liters (or 2,880 gallons) of water in a single day.
-
Residents are involved at each step of the process:
Help decide where wells will be placed,
Prepare the ground by clearing brush and small trees to make room for our vehicles,
Show our teams where to get the water needed to begin drilling,
Dig two mud pits to hold the water used for drilling,
Carry bricks and heavy bags of cement, and scoop gravel,
Build a fence around the well to keep animals away from the water source,
Provides a volunteer to support the team cook, and
Identify two residents to participate in basic well maintenance and repair.
-
Two community members are selected to receive pump maintenance training, learning how to maintain and repair the well. This supports the long-term sustainability of the water source.
-
WFSS operates during the dry season—approximately December through May. During the rainy season, dirt roads in South Sudan turn to mud, and our heavy equipment cannot travel. Additionally, it’s more challenging to locate the true water source in the aquifer with heavy rains.
-
Yes, we test the water quality using Watersafe and Aquagenx test kits to ensure it is safe for human consumption. We test for e coli along with other contaminants.
-
We are currently using the “Iron Giraffe” - PAT 501 rig. PAT stands for Promotion of Appropriate Technology, and its rigs are widely used in the developing world. We continue to use our original big rig, a Deep Rock DR 150. We also have a smaller PAT 431 T. We also have a compressor that enables us to drill in rocky areas.
-
We use the India Mark II, the most widely used hand pump in the world.
-
At this time, we do not plan to expand outside of South Sudan.
-
Our locally-led team is aware of the current unstable areas in South Sudan. We do not work in areas where conflict is present.
To date, our team has not experienced direct conflict, nor have the wells drilled by WFSS been damaged due to violence.
Donating to WFSS
-
Donor Advised Fund (DAF): https://www.waterforsouthsudan.org/donor-advised-funds
Stocks, IRA Distribution, Retirement Plan, Life Insurance Plan, Real Estate: https://www.waterforsouthsudan.org/gift-to-reduce-taxes
Crypto: https://www.every.org/waterforsouthsudan?method=crypto#/donate/crypto
Will or Trust: https://www.waterforsouthsudan.org/legacy-gifts
-
Checks or money orders should be mailed payable to Water for South Sudan and mailed to PO Box 25551, Rochester, NY 14625. Complete and include the Donation Summary Form to ensure your donation is applied and recognized appropriately.
-
Donor Advised Fund (DAF):https://www.waterforsouthsudan.org/donor-advised-funds
A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) allows you to support your favorite cause—like Water for South Sudan—while enjoying significant tax advantages. You can recommend a one-time or recurring gift, and even bundle contributions for maximum tax benefits under current laws.
To give now, click here to use our DAFDirect widget and connect directly with your DAF provider to recommend a grant for Water for South Sudan.
You can also contact the financial institution or community foundation that holds your DAF and request a grant be made to:
Legal Name: Water for South Sudan, Inc.
Federal Tax ID: 20-0291592
Have questions? Contact us or call 585-383-0410—we're happy to help.
Gifts to Reduce Taxes:https://www.waterforsouthsudan.org/gift-to-reduce-taxes
Stocks
Donating appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds is a powerful way to support clean water projects in South Sudan. You may be eligible for a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stock and avoid capital gains tax.
Stock donations may be transferred electronically or delivered to any Charles Schwab office.
Account Name: Water for South Sudan, Inc.
DTC#: 0164
Account #: 4541-6397
After initiating your gift, please notify us at contact us or call 585-383-0410 so we can appropriately acknowledge your gift.
You can also give stock online (3% transaction fee) at DonateStock.com/water-for-south-sudan.
IRA Distribution
If you're 70 1/2 years old or older, you can make a tax-free gift from your IRA to Water for South Sudan through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). Your gift counts toward your annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and avoids taxable income.
You can give up to $100,000 per year ($200,000 for married couples)
The transfer must go directly from your IRA to Water for South Sudan.
QCDs are not tax-deductible but offer tax advantages by lowering your taxable income.
Contact your IRA custodian for the next steps. Please notify us at contact us or call 585-383-0410 so we can appropriately acknowledge your gift.
Retirement Plan
Naming Water for South Sudan as a beneficiary of your retirement account—such as an IRA, 401(k), or 403 (b)—is a way to leave a legacy and reduce potential tax burden on your heirs.
Water for South Sudan is tax-exempt and eligible to receive the full value of your retirement assets. For example, a $100,000 IRA gift to WFSS is worth the full $100,000, whereas the same gift to an individual could be reduced by income taxes of up to 37%.
To make this type of gift, simply contact your plan’s administrator to list
Beneficiary Name: Water for South Sudan, Inc.
Federal Tax ID: 20-0291592.
Please notify us at contact us or call 585-383-0410 so we can appropriately acknowledge your gift.
Life Insurance Plan
Donating a life insurance policy is an affordable way to make a meaningful impact while receiving potential tax benefits during your lifetime.
You can make a significant gift for a relatively low cost.
You may receive immediate tax savings.
Your gift may reduce estate taxes and passes outside of your estate.
To set up a gift, contact your insurance provider and name Water for South Sudan, Inc. as a beneficiary of your policy.
Please notify us of your gift at contact us or call 585-383-0410
Real Estate
A gift of real estate—such as a home, land, or other property—can be a transformative way to support Water for South Sudan while providing you with significant tax advantages.
You may receive a charitable deduction for the fair market value of your property.
You may be able to avoid capital gain taxes on appreciate real estate.
A real estate gift may reduce the size of your taxable estate.
To explore this option, please consult your financial advisor and contact us or call 585-383-0410 to discuss the next steps.
Legacy Gifts:https://www.waterforsouthsudan.org/legacy-gifts
Including Water for South Sudan in your will or trust is a meaningful way to provide clean water, hygiene, and sanitation for generations to come.
Bequests are easy to include in your estate plan and cost nothing during your lifetime.
Your legacy gift can reduce potential estate taxes and create lasting impact.
All shared information is kept confidential.
We recommend consulting with your attorney when planning our gift. For sample bequest language, visit our Legacy Gifts page.
Please include the following information in your estate documents:
Legal Name: Water for South Sudan, Inc.
Address: PO Box 25551, Rochester, NY 14625
Federal Tax ID: 20-0291952
Once your plans are in place, you're welcome to share a copy of the relevant section of your will or trust with us for our records. Contact us or call 585-383-0410.
-
Steps:
Log in with the email used to set up the recurring donation
If you do not have a password or can’t remember the password, scroll down to the Password Free Login and enter your email to receive a code to log in
Once logged into your donor portal, click Recurring Donations on the left side of the screen
Click the Manage drop down and click Payment Method
Click Add New Payment Method and Add Payment Method
Enter the new card information (number, expiration date and CVC)
Click Add Card
Please note that the date and amount of your recurring donation cannot be changed through the portal yet. GiveLively is a non-profit and free donation/fundraising platform. They are continuously working to update functions for users. If you want to update your donation amount, the current donation must be canceled, and a new donation will need to be initiated through our donation page here. For additional questions, please contact Elissa Rowley at elissa.rowley@waterforsouthsudan.org.
-
Thank you for supporting our efforts! Here are the main ways to send your funds to us.
Make a donation directly to the team page or general donation page via credit card or ACH (direct withdrawal from bank account)
Contact Adriana Mancini, Communications & Junior Outreach Manager, for a Donation Summary Form.
Send a check (U.S. and Canada only)
Wire transfers (International schools)
Please contact Adriana Mancini, Communications & Junior Outreach Manager, at adriana.mancini@waterforsouthsudan.org, and Denise Santee, Accounting Specialist, at finance.billing@waterforsouthsudan.org for questions or additional information.
Get Involved With WFSS
-
Click here to sign up for email updates and keep up to date on the life-changing work you help make possible.
-
There are many ways to get involved with WFSS, from fundraising to raising awareness of water scarcity in South Sudan. Learn more here.
-
For schools, we have our annual Iron Giraffe Challenge contest. This is an opportunity for student-focused groups (schools, youth groups, community groups, etc) to support clean water projects in South Sudan and receive the opportunity to win a visit from WFSS Founder Salva Dut. For more information, visit waterforsouthsudan.org/iron-giraffe-challenge or contact Adriana Mancini, Communications and Outreach Junior Manager at adriana.mancini@waterforsouthsudan.org or 585-333-9690.
For all other fundraisers (non-school and non-student-focused), you can register to fundraise here.
For additional questions, contact info@waterforsouthsudan.org or visit our fundraising inspiration page.
-
For fundraising inspiration, visit https://www.waterforsouthsudan.org/fundraising.
-
Yes, we have multiple projects you can sponsor: new wells, well rehabilitation, water storage and distribution, latrines, and hygiene trainings. Visit our sponsorship page here or contact Elissa Rowley, Director of Development and Communications at elissa.rowley@waterforsouthsudan.org or 585-383-0410 ext. 1505.
-
Yes! Please contact Adriana Mancini, Communications & Outreach Junior Manager, at adriana.mancini@waterforsouthsudan.org to confirm your sponsorship intent.
-
At this time WFSS does not have an internship program. All current job opportunities are listed here.
-
Thank you for your interest in joining our team! Please check our careers page for available opportunities. We’d love to have you join our team and help us water the seeds of change.
-
We sometimes need volunteers at our Rochester, USA office. Please contact the office at 585-383-0410 to discuss this further.
Requests for Information
-
Salva lives and works in Africa. Unfortunately, due to the extremely high volume of requests, he cannot reply to e-mails or any other electronic correspondence.
Mail/letters for Salva can be sent to PO Box 25551, Rochester, NY 14625
-
Thank you for your interest in hearing from our Founder, Salva Dut. We know his story is so impactful and touches lives across the globe. Understandably, many people request to have Salva speak at their school. Below are the options available.
Speaking fee of $3,000 for a 30-minute call with Salva. An agreed-upon time will be determined based on time differences and operating season activities in South Sudan.
Participate in the Iron Giraffe Challenge, our annual contest for schools to enter to win a visit from Salva to their school (and other great prizes). Registered schools that raise $1,000 or more are entered into our live drawing in May.
For questions or additional information, please contact Adriana Mancini, Communications & Outreach Junior Manager, at adriana.mancini@waterforsouthsudan.org
-
Yes! Please fill out this speaker request form and a staff member will be in touch with you.