Hometown H2O: Coming together to improve water access for rural American families

In many rural communities across the United States, people face the daily struggle of living without reliable water access. An estimated 2.2 million people in the United States lack indoor plumbing and basic running water in their homes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. For many of these rural households, the challenge stems from private wells that are aging, malfunctioning, or have run dry.

Why are private wells vulnerable to water challenges?

The EPA says that 43 million people, or around 15% of the U.S. population, rely on water from wells or springs, with a large number located in rural America. These wells are considered private systems, with homeowners responsible for constructing and maintaining them. When families are unable to afford well repairs, daily life becomes a struggle, from preparing a meal, to washing dishes and clothes, to showering and getting ready for work or school.

Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a widening gap in health and wellness between rural and urban Americans. When reliable water is out of reach, people are more likely to struggle with poverty and health.

Bringing experts together to improve water access for rural American families

To help improve water access, Xylem’s Goulds Water Technology and corporate responsibility program Watermark support Hometown H2O, created by the Chris Long Foundation’s (CLF) Waterboys initiative. Hometown H2O brings together CLF, Xylem, Water Well Trust, and Xylem’s network of local distributors and installers to drill new, fully operational private wells or upgrading existing wells to help more families become water-secure.

“Having a reliable water source is life-changing” said Alex Rodriguez, Market Development Manager, Xylem. “Our mission at Xylem is to find innovative solutions to create a water-secure world, so being able to come together with The Chris Long Foundation, Water Well Trust and local partners to support positive change for rural families is an honor.”

Here are three families whose water access has been improved by Hometown H2O.

Providing a well and a more reliable, affordable water source for an Ohio family

In Amesville, Ohio, Starr Woodall, a schoolteacher and single mom, and her 10-year-old son Ronin, rely on a cistern storage tank for household water supply. This requires water to be trucked in, an unreliable and costly way to meet their daily needs. The family has frequently run out of water while waiting for a delivery – a strain that has touched nearly every part of their daily life.

“There’s a moment of panic when you wake up and realize the cistern is empty,” said Starr. “Even when it’s full, every drop has to be rationed for cooking, showering or doing laundry.”

Hometown H2O partners The Chris Long Foundation, Xylem and Water Well Trust teamed with local water pros Warren Pump & Supply and Smith's Well Drilling to deliver the well the Woodalls desperately needed.

Delivering water access to a family facing major illness

A new well in Raymond, Ohio, has restored safe, running water for the Olson family – a life-changing improvement for Meg Olson, who has lived without water while managing multiple sclerosis.

Through the Hometown H2O program, partners Xylem, The Chris Long Foundation, Water Well Trust, local experts Seismic Drilling Co. and Warren Pump & Supply came together to drill a new residential well, install a submersible pump system, and provide long-term access to safe water.

“It was a tough two and half years without water,” said Andy Olson, Meg’s husband. “To actually have it again, it’s emotional.” “It feels great,” said Meg. “It’s just the beginning.”

Drilling a private well for a family recovering from natural disaster

Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, the Warren family in Candler, North Carolina, faced permanently losing access to a reliable source of water.

Through the Hometown H2O initiative, The Chris Long Foundation, Xylem, Water Well Trust, Hajoca and North Carolina water experts Camps Well Drilling came together to drill a new well and ensure critical water service to the home.

“The excitement on people’s faces to see somebody who doesn’t have water get water just makes everything worth it,” said Garrett Padgett, Camp’s Well Drilling.

Each Hometown H2O project shows what’s possible when communities and partners unite around a shared purpose: solving water. With every new well drilled, Xylem and its partners are helping more families gain lasting access to safe water – and moving us all closer to a future where every community can thrive.