WaterStep
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersLouisville, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
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).
WaterStep firmographics
Firmographics- 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
WaterStep industry classification
Industry- 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
Where WaterStep is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Louisville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
WaterStep business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Individual Donations: WaterStep generates revenue primarily through donations from individuals supporting safe water projects globally.
- Disaster Relief Fund: Designated donations for disaster relief efforts such as Hurricane Melissa response.
- Legacy Giving: Planned giving programs for long-term donor engagement.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | One time | Fund 1 Kit - serves 3,000 people |
| Other | One time | $50 donation |
| Other | One time | $100 donation |
| Other | One time | $250 donation |
| Other | One time | $500 donation |
| Other | One time | $5,000 donation |
| Other | One time | Steps for Safe Water 5K registration |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
WaterStep product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use WaterStep
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
WaterStep technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
WaterStep partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.
- World VisionmajorWorld 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 ThrivecoreWaterStep 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)minorWaterStep 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 & WellnesscoreWaterStep 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 CenterminorCarter Center logo appears as a partner/member organization supporting WaterStep's mission.
- Lynn Family VisionminorPresenting Sponsor of Steps for Safe Water 5K fundraiser at Lynn Family Stadium.
- NicarminorCo-organizer of Commercial Global Business Network event featuring WaterStep founder Mark Hogg.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
WaterStep competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
WaterStep social profiles
Digital presenceWaterStep financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
WaterStep leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
WaterStep funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
WaterStep M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about WaterStep
What does WaterStep do?
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.
Is WaterStep a public or private company?
WaterStep is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was WaterStep founded?
WaterStep was founded in 1994. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is WaterStep based?
WaterStep is headquartered in Louisville, United States, in the North America region.
How does WaterStep make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations are the primary driver. The others are disaster Relief Fund and legacy Giving.
Does WaterStep have an API?
No public API is recorded for WaterStep.
What industry is WaterStep in?
WaterStep's product category is Nonprofit WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Solutions. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGABAC, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), with a secondary code of BPAGAAAE, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Emergency Services. Its NAICS code is 221310 and its SIC code is 4941.