Case Study: EnterpriseWorks achieves low-cost household rainwater storage and clean-water access with Wazoku

EnterpriseWorks - Customer Case Study

EnterpriseWorks, a division of Relief International, faced the challenge of providing affordable household rainwater storage to combat waterborne disease and the long distances women and children travel for water. Experts said their target—a durable, 125‑gallon installed tank costing no more than $20—was unachievable, so EnterpriseWorks posted the problem as a 60‑day InnoCentive challenge (1,188 solvers, 164 submissions) with a $15,000 award.

The winning idea was a simple bag‑within‑bag design from a German inventor (no pumps or moving parts), adapted and field‑tested in Uganda as the “bob” tank with added tap and inlet screen; the final unit holds over 350 gallons, is lightweight and compact for transport, and is sold/installed by local businesses. The result: safe, household water storage that reduces the burden on women and children, increases school and work opportunities, creates local income, and offers a scalable, low‑cost solution for millions.

EnterpriseWorks

Don Feil

President and CEO