When we started Pure Water for People, we had a simple idea. Clean water should not be a privilege. It should be something every person in McCandless can rely on.

Over time, that mission has become a movement. Neighbors, volunteers, and partners have come together to protect rivers, improve health, and build a safer future, one small action at a time.

In just a few years, our volunteers have cleaned up more than 250 sites across the region. From quiet neighborhood streams to heavily littered stretches near industrial zones, no area has been too small or too daunting.

One of our biggest efforts took place along Pine Creek, where volunteers filled dozens of bags with plastic, tires, and metal scraps in a single morning. That day alone removed nearly half a ton of waste that would have washed downstream.

Every cleanup leaves a lasting impact. The water runs clearer, fish and insects return, and communities feel proud of the place they call home.

Protecting waterways isn’t just about picking up trash. It’s about helping people understand why it matters.

So far, we’ve reached over 10,000 residents through workshops, school programs, and free toolkits. We’ve partnered with local teachers, health workers, and community groups to share resources on safe water practices.

Kids learn early that what goes down a drain doesn’t disappear. Adults discover small changes at home that can keep rivers clean for the long term.

When you see one of our bright decals on a storm drain, it’s there for a reason. Each label is a reminder that rainwater carries everything it picks up—oil, litter, chemicals—straight into local waterways.

Our team has labeled more than 250 drains, covering about 80% of the county’s newly paved roads. These simple markers spark conversations. Neighbors often stop to ask what they mean. Families teach their kids not to dump anything down the grate.

“Every decal is a small sign that someone cares enough to protect this place.”

For some households, clean water isn’t guaranteed at the tap. That’s why we’ve distributed over 300 filters to families facing contamination or outdated plumbing.

One mother told us she finally felt safe cooking dinner and filling water bottles after years of worrying about what came out of the faucet. Stories like hers remind us that clean water is about dignity and peace of mind, not just health.

We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, but there is so much left to do.

In the next year, we plan to:

• Host at least 30 more cleanups
• Reach 2,000 new residents with education programs
• Label every remaining storm drain in the county
• Expand filter distribution to areas with the highest health risks

These goals are ambitious. But with your support, they’re within reach.