About
Water Mission is a Christian engineering nonprofit headquartered in North Charleston, South Carolina, that designs, builds, and implements safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions for people in developing countries, refugee camps, and disaster areas. Since 2001, the organization has served more than 8 million people in more than 65 countries.
Mission
Water Mission's stated mission is to honor God by developing, implementing, and sharing best-in-class safe water solutions that transform as many lives as possible, as quickly as possible. Its vision is that all people have safe water and an opportunity to experience God's love.
What they do
Water Mission's program approach spans several core areas:
- Safe Water for Communities — designing and building safe water solutions for communities in developing countries
- Living Water Ministry — sharing the organization's Christian faith alongside its water work
- Disaster Response — providing lifesaving water treatment in disaster areas
- Safe Water for Refugees — serving people living in refugee camps
- Sanitation and Hygiene — complementing safe water with sanitation and hygiene programs
- Collaboration — engaging strategic, like-minded organizations to combine resources, expertise, and products in the fight against the global water crisis
History
Water Mission was founded in 2001 by George and Molly Greene. The founding story began in 1998, when Hurricane Mitch devastated Honduras and the Greenes answered a request for lifesaving water treatment systems. Unable to find an existing solution suitable for the remote communities in need, George and his engineering team designed and built their own. After seeing residents afraid to drink treated water drawn from a river they called "The River of Death," George and Molly drank from the hose themselves, and the community followed. The couple then sold their engineering company and founded Water Mission in 2001. Molly Greene served as Chief Stewardship Officer and Chair of the Board until her passing in July 2019; George Greene continues to serve on the Board of Directors.
Scale and impact
- More than 8 million people served since 2001, across more than 65 countries
- Eight permanent country programs: Honduras, Kenya, Mexico, Peru, Tanzania, Indonesia, Malawi, and Uganda
- More than 400 global staff
Water Mission's website displays recognition seals including Charity Navigator, Candid Platinum Transparency 2025, ECFA accreditation, and Best Christian Workplaces.
Financials
According to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, for the fiscal year ending September 2025 Water Mission (legal name Water Missions International, EIN 57-1116978) reported total revenue of $42,093,494 and total expenses of $47,529,481, with nearly 99% of revenue coming from contributions (about $41.8 million). The organization is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization; its IRS tax exemption was issued in August 2001.
Governance
George C. Greene IV serves as CEO, with reported compensation of $230,577 plus $27,089 in other compensation in the most recent filing. Co-founder George Greene serves on the Board of Directors. The organization is headquartered at 1150 Molly Greene Way, Building 1605, North Charleston, SC 29405.