A Little About SAIWI

SAIWI's Mission:

To develop an understanding of global issues and apply our time and knowledge to promote lasting partnerships towards empowering others in dealing with water resources.

Access to Safe Drinking Water (Urban - 2002)

Source: National Academy of Sciences & Global Health and Education Foundation

SAIWI seeks to provide a forum that fosters communication, enhances the dissemination of related information, and encourages the proper development of water resources primarily in underprivileged, developing nations where a great need exists for potable water supplies.

SAIWI's Objectives:

• Organize, sponsor, and maintain an active colloquia related to water resource issues in developing countries.


• Offer a networking environment for students, scientists, and professionals that share an interest in international water issues.


• Provide members with a hands-on, overseas experience working with local communities on water-related projects.


• Encourage students to share and discuss overseas experiences with SAIWI members and the surrounding community.

SAIWI's History:

Realizing the urgent need to improve water availability in developing countries, students from the Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences at the University of Nevada, Reno formed an association to promote research, education, and training concerning international water resource issues in the fall of 2000.

SAIWI has conducted numerous successful trips to developing countries, which are detailed on the "Past Projects" page. A course entitled "International Issues in Water Development" is presently being offered at UNR (Fall semesters) to disseminate and discuss information regarding this subject. The Desert Research Institute has purchased an LS-100 drill rig, a light and portable drill rig capable of drilling a 6-inch borehole to a depth of 100 feet in soft sediments. A training course for the drill rig is also being offered by Ron Peterson and Cathy Fitzgerald of Lifewater International so that trained students can drill wells in developing countries.



With members coming from a variety of disciplines, including a nationally recognized Graduate program of Hydrologic Sciences, at the University of Nevada, Reno, SAIWI students have outstanding skills in the exploration for and development of water resources.

SAIWI partners with on-going projects in developing countries, providing skilled, motivated students to help accomplish project objectives and to gain valuable experience and knowledge of water-related issues. A tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm supports SAIWI’s continued involvement in on-going, mutually beneficial water development projects.

To accomplish these goals, SAIWI is continuously fundraising (grants, benefits, donations) to support student travel and equipment expenses. You can learn about those events in the "Past Events" and "Calender" pages.

This document is not a publication of the University of Nevada, Reno. SAIWI is solely responsible for the content contained herein.
Content last updated on September 17, 2007 by Pancho.