WaterStep

What WaterStep does

WaterStep is a Louisville, Kentucky-based international non-governmental organization founded in 1994 that develops and deploys portable safe water treatment and disinfectant generation technology to underserved communities and disaster-affected regions. The organization operates two principal program brands: WASHUp, a long-term water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) program structured around a 360-degree assessment, implementation, monitoring, and ongoing-support model, and WaterRelief, a disaster preparedness and response program built around the LilyPad Network of pre-positioned equipment and trained responders. The organization reports reaching more than 15 million lives across 72+ countries, executing 400+ projects annually, and responding to 36 disasters to date.

Its technology portfolio centers on two core patented systems: the BleachMaker, a portable disinfectant generation system created in 2014 to combat Ebola that produces disinfectant from simple ingredients and a small power supply, and the WOWCart, a mobile water treatment cart capable of treating 38,000 gallons of water per day and producing a gallon of disinfectant per hour, with flexible power options including propane, gasoline, solar, or 12-volt battery. Supporting programs include Safe Water Disaster Response Kits (each serving 3,000 people), a Field Training Center in Louisville that hosts the only indoor hand pump repair training facility in the world, Income Generating Programs that use the BleachMaker for community-based economic empowerment, and Borehole Drilling Partnerships.

WaterStep's revenue model is entirely donation-based, funded through individual contributions, designated disaster relief funds, and legacy giving programs, with impact-tiered giving ranging from $50 (serves 113 people) to $5,000 (serves 11,260 people). Distribution occurs through NGO and government partnerships (World Vision, Carter Center, Jamaican Ministry of Health & Wellness, Congo Connect and Thrive), direct disaster deployment, school district service-learning programs (Echo Trail Middle School / JCPS), and a website-based donation storefront. The organization holds a Charity Navigator 4-star rating and Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency (both 2025) and has been recognized with the Sustainia Top 100 Global Solutions award (2013) and the EPA Environmental Protection Product of the Year (2016).

Name

WaterStep

Legal name

WaterStep

Website

https://waterstep.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

WaterStep is a Louisville, Kentucky-based international non-profit that develops and deploys patented portable water treatment and disinfectant generation technology (BleachMaker, WOWCart) to underserved communities and disaster-affected regions across 72+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Solutions

NAICS

Water Supply and Irrigation Systems (221310)

SIC

Water Supply (4941)

akta.pro primary industry

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) (BPAGABAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Emergency Services (BPAGAAAE), WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) Organizations (HLAJAKAI)

Keywords

• Water treatment systems
• Disaster response services
• WASH solutions
• Portable disinfectant generation
• Community water development

Headquarters

HQ city

Louisville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: WaterStep generates revenue primarily through donations from individuals supporting safe water projects globally.
2. Disaster Relief Fund: Designated donations for disaster relief efforts such as Hurricane Melissa response.
3. Legacy Giving: Planned giving programs for long-term donor engagement.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

WaterStep provides safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions to underserved communities and disaster-affected regions globally through patented hardware—most notably the BleachMaker (portable disinfectant generator) and WOWCart (mobile 38,000-gallons-per-day water purification cart)—deployed alongside training programs and a 'train the trainer' model. The organization delivers two umbrella programs: WASHUp for long-term community water solutions and WaterRelief for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, serving governments, NGOs, schools, and at-risk populations across 72+ countries.

Product overview

WaterStep is a Louisville-based international non-profit organization focused on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions. Their product portfolio centers on physical water treatment technology rather than software. The core products include the BleachMaker (portable disinfectant generation system) and WOWCart (mobile water treatment system capable of treating 38,000 gallons daily). These are supported by training programs including Hand Pump Repair Training, Health and Hygiene Education, and Income Generating Programs. WaterStep operates through two main program brands: WASHUp (long-term community water solutions) and WaterRelief (disaster preparedness and response). The WaterRelief program utilizes the innovative LilyPad Network for rapid deployment, while the Safe Water Disaster Response Kit and Field Training Center provide modular response capabilities. The organization addresses global water challenges through technology deployment combined with extensive community training and education.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• WaterRelief: WaterStep's comprehensive disaster management program integrating expertise, technology, and strategic planning for preparedness, response, and recovery.
• WASHUp
• WOWCart
• By Her Hands

Products and services

• WOWCart Portable water purification and on-site disinfectant generation system for disaster response and community water programs. Treats 38,000 gallons of water daily, produces a gallon of disinfectant per hour, and fits in pickup trucks for rapid deployment. Used by governments, NGOs, and emergency responders.
• BleachMaker Portable bleach-making system that enables local production of disinfectant using simple ingredients and a small power supply. Originally created to combat Ebola in 2014; deployed globally for disaster response and community water treatment. Patented technology.
• Safe Water Disaster Response Kit Portable purification and on-site disinfectant generation system designed for clinics, shelters, and schools during disaster response. Each kit serves 3,000 people.
• WaterRelief Program

Quantifiable outcome

• 2.2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water globally (UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• World VisionmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 December 2025World Vision and WaterStep are distributing toys, relief supplies, safe water, and disinfectant to residents in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa. Distribution occurs at multiple locations from December 10-12, 2025, to aid recovery and provide community support.
• Congo Connect and ThrivecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaterStep partners with Congo Connect and Thrive to build new bathrooms at their school in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which serves 400 children with only two latrines. Students raised funds toward a $6,000 goal for gender-specific sanitation facilities.
• Echo Trail Middle School (JCPS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaterStep partnered with Echo Trail Middle School (part of Jefferson County Public Schools) to educate 7th graders about the global water crisis through a service-learning project tied to the book A Long Walk to Water.
• Jamaican Ministry of Health & WellnesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaterStep is expanding its partnership with Jamaican health authorities to deploy bleach-making and water treatment systems following Hurricane Melissa to prevent waterborne diseases, particularly leptospirosis concerns.
• Carter CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCarter Center logo appears as a partner/member organization supporting WaterStep's mission.
• Lynn Family VisionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting Sponsor of Steps for Safe Water 5K fundraiser at Lynn Family Stadium.
• NicarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-organizer of Commercial Global Business Network event featuring WaterStep founder Mark Hogg.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/WaterStep
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCR3oakblxpSx9SXqq40Ln6A
• Facebookfacebook.com/WaterStep
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/3086487
• Instagraminstagram.com/waterstepintl

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about WaterStep