Growing Health, Dignity and Livelihoods
Safe Water Gardens transforms daily life for people in tropical village communities.
More than sanitation – a foundation for life
A Safe Water Garden (SWG) is more than a sanitation system. It’s a model for sustainable development for village communities in tropical areas. Our initiative provides them access to clean water, health, dignity, and livelihood pathways – in a lasting, affordable, and rooted local ownership way.
Our approach is simple yet effective: We combine years of research and development with robust partnerships in business, NGOs, and government – building on what already exists and transforming it into a meaningful future together.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue to expand this website. You’ll find insights into our work on the ground, stories from the people behind Safe Water Gardens, and updates on growing projects across the region.
If you’d like to learn more about the initiative, feel free to get in touch.
– The Safe Water Gardens Team
Three levers for holistic impact
A decent home starts with basic hygiene and grows from there. Safe Water Gardens transforms daily life in tropical village communities on a physical, social, and economic level.
Health
Laying the foundation for life
Water, hygiene, and the surrounding environment shape whether people grow up and old in good health.
- Clean drinking water and safe toilets at home
- No more open wastewater or toxic puddles
- Fewer infections and waterborne diseases
- Children can play outside without health risks
- Better protection against mosquitoes and other disease carriers
- Environmental protection through closed-loop systems and plastic recycling
Dignity
Restoring self-respect and confidence
When the home environment works, it changes how people see themselves – and how others see them.
- No bad smells, no flies – more privacy
- Clean bathrooms that align with cultural and religious values
- Guests can be invited into the home without shame
- Women and girls feel safer and more respected
- Pride in a clean, cared-for living space
- Families no longer feel second-class compared to city life
Livelihoods
Creating economic opportunities
Once the basics are in place, energy and initiative are freed – especially among women and young people.
- Home gardens for fresh vegetables and herbs
- Fewer sick days, lower healthcare costs
- Small-scale businesses: homestays, food stands, micro-farming
- Women turn their homes into places of income and hospitality
- Real alternatives to migration through rural development
The world’s most cost-efficient sanitation system
A Safe Water Garden is an easy-to-build solution made from bricks, pipes, and gravel. It requires no electricity, is maintenance-free, and lasts a lifetime.
Water safety
- Closed-loop wastewater treatment with an effective biofilter
- No odors, no exposed waste, no health risks
Simple construction
- Installed in one day using recycled local materials
- No machines, chemicals, or special skills are needed
Household ownership
- Wholly owned by local end-users
- Affordable for low-income households and small schools in tropical villages
Validated by research
Based on UNICEF-backed science, the Safe Water Garden’s design and social engagement model stems from a two-year research project by our partners, funded by a Dutch government grant (Nuffic).
Indonesia’s oldest and largest higher education institution, featuring 18 faculties, 27 research centers, 55,000 students, and 2,500 faculty members.
Ranked third among all European research universities, TU/e secured a Dutch government research grant to support this project.
A Singapore-based university whose Environmental Research Institute (NERI) specializes in R&D on water and wastewater infrastructure in the region.
A private, technology-focused university in Bandung, Indonesia, known for its world-class reputation in environmental engineering.
Scalable to multiply impact
The Safe Water Gardens initiative is designed for growth – empowering tropical village communities to bring health, dignity, and livelihoods to more households and families.
Built for replication
A Safe Water Garden uses simple, locally available materials and can be installed by trained villagers – making widespread adoption realistic, affordable, and fast.
Embedded in local ecosystems
Each implementation is rooted in community ownership and supported by partnerships with companies, NGOs, and local authorities – ensuring long-term integration and acceptance.
Proven through scale-up pilots
Model Village Programs (MVP) in diverse regions of Indonesia and beyond have demonstrated the system’s flexibility across geographies, cultures, and village structures.
Approved by the government
The Safe Water Gardens model aligns with Indonesia’s national sanitation standards and offers a scalable blueprint for other tropical countries.