Kohler focuses on India’s water challenges through “Safe Water For All" initiative

New Delhi, October 25, 2023: Kohler Co., a prominent player in kitchen and bath product design and innovation, has intensified its "Safe Water For All" initiative, focusing on critical challenges pertaining to access, quality, and conservation of water. This endeavor aims to raise awareness on water-related issues while improving access to drinking water and safe sanitation infrastructure. “Safe Water for All” involved the active participation of 2,498 employees across Gujarat, Delhi NCR, and Maharashtra, covering 11,546 kilometers as part of a month-long challenge.

India faces significant water challenges, with 91 million individuals lacking access to safe drinking water and 746 million people (54% of the population) struggling with inadequate household sanitation facilities. These issues are further compounded by water scarcity, contaminated surface water sources, limited access to piped water supply systems, and the impacts of climate change, including prolonged droughts and rising sea levels. The Indian government's goal to provide tap water connections to every household by 2024 underscores the urgency of effective solutions for safe water and sanitation.

Kohler's "Safe Water for All" initiative leverages the company's global knowledge and dedicated team to promote significant and lasting change. Collaborating with humanitarian organizations and NGOs like Rotary, Water Vision, Clean International, Gram Vikas Trust, and Svades, Kohler tailors initiatives to meet the specific needs of communities.

Their focus is on enhancing access to clean drinking water and secure sanitation facilities at the household, school, and community levels. For instance, Kohler has installed self-sustainable drinking water kiosks in villages within the Jhagadia block, Bharuch District, Gujarat, and improved access to sanitation by providing toilets and bathing stations at the household level in rural Gujarat. 

Commenting on the same, Mr. Pankaj Kumar Rai, Sr. Director HR, Kohler South Asia said, “We are immensely proud of the incredible response we've seen from our employees in India and their enthusiastic participation in the 'Run/Walk for Safe Water' initiative. Our presence in India has always been driven by a commitment to create innovative, sustainable solutions.” He further added “ At Kohler, we believe in a philosophy of sustainability that extends beyond our product offerings. It's about making a real impact in the communities where we operate, especially in a nation facing pressing water challenges. By conserving and responsibly managing water resources, we are not just a company delivering exceptional kitchen and bath products; we are an ally in the quest for a better, more sustainable world, where clean water is accessible to all.”

The company is also committed to revitalizing local water resources for a lasting impact. In 2022, Kohler contributed $300,000 to safe water projects and initiatives, positively impacting over 350,000 lives through its flagship program, with employees covering an impressive 8.8 million kilometers globally. To date, the "Safe Water for All" initiatives and products have positively impacted over 2.2 million lives worldwide.