Access to clean water is one of the most critical issues facing communities worldwide. At Healing Waters International, we aim to provide solutions that empower the world’s most vulnerable communities to flourish. We’ve evolved our water distribution model through innovation and dedication to offer more sustainable, durable, and efficient systems.
A common water distribution method in resource-strained areas is the water kiosk model, where individuals collect purified bottled water for use at home at a centralized location. They visit the kiosk typically between 2-3 times per week to collect water. In many cases a kiosk is a viable, sustainable system; however, Healing Waters chooses to work where piped water systems provide better solutions. These piped water systems distribute purified, safe water directly to household taps.
Higher Daily Water Production
One of the most striking advantages of piped distribution systems is their capacity to produce and disseminate significantly larger volumes of water compared to kiosks. Unlike kiosks, which rely on limited storage and manual retrieval, piped systems operate continuously, ensuring a steady and scalable flow of water directly to households. In our work, we have seen a piped water system deliver 64 times the volume of a kiosk, demonstrating its unparalleled efficiency in meeting demand.
Piped water distribution creates a mechanism of abundance, where water is available on demand, eliminating the need for time-consuming collection and ensuring a higher standard of hygiene, sanitation, and overall well-being.
By delivering far more water per day than a kiosk, piped systems transform communities by shifting from water scarcity to water security, empowering people to use water not just for survival, but for progress and development.

Greater Volume of Water Available Per Person
Water access is ultimately about meeting the individual needs of the community. Piped systems offer 21 gallons per person daily on average, with peaks of 26 gallons. Water kiosks, by contrast, provide just 0.5 gallons per person. This means that people receive 40 times more water with piped distribution than with kiosks.
In the kiosk model, purified water is prioritized for drinking, while unpurified water is used for other household needs. Although this approach is a step in the right direction, using unsafe water for any purpose can still result in waterborne illnesses. Additionally, families will need a way to collect unpurified water even when they are receiving drinking water, which means that the burden of water collection is not fully alleviated. When communities have sufficient water for drinking, cooking, hygiene, and more, the outcomes can be transformative. Families can experience improved health, reduced time spent collecting water, and increased opportunities for education and work—contributing to holistic restoration and flourishing.

Reducing Barriers to Use
For many, accessing water from kiosks involves traveling away from home (sometimes long distances), enduring wait times, and managing costs. These barriers often discourage people from using safe water, perpetuating health risks. Piped systems remove these obstacles by delivering safe water directly to households, schools, churches, clinics, and other public services, increasing usage rates. In piped-system communities, nearly 100% of households participate, compared to sometimes only 25% in kiosk-based areas. Kiosks also use a pay-per-jug model whereas piped systems use a monthly fee, so people are incentivized to use the piped safe water instead of turning to other low-cost and unsafe options.
Conclusion
While water kiosks provide a viable solution in areas with no infrastructure, the case for piped water systems is clear. With greater capacity, sustainability, and accessibility, these networks embody our mission of restoring humanity to wholeness by eliminating barriers to clean water.
By investing in both kiosks and piped distribution systems, we fulfill our calling to end human suffering caused by the global water crisis. Together, we can create a world where every child, woman, and man is free to flourish in relationship with God and each other. Join us in building an equitable future through safe water for all.