WATER STANDARD’s focus on bringing fresh, clean water to areas facing critical shortages is part of a larger commitment to improving the lives of people in need worldwide.

We believe strongly that global companies have global responsibilities that go beyond business. That’s why we are proud to be supporters of the foundation established by Houston Rockets basketball star Dikembe Mutombo.

The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation was created in 1997 to enhance the health, education, and quality of life in the NBA great’s home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His goal was to solve the problems that he believes are "killing my country."

The foundation’s achievements include building the first hospital in Kinshaha, Congo’s capital, in 40 years. The $29 million, 300-bed facility is named after Mr. Mutombo’s mother, who died from a stroke because she could not get to a hospital for treatment. Mr. Mutombo personally contributed $15 million to the project.

In the Congo, childhood diseases that have been contained and controlled in the developed world – including water-borne illnesses – kill one in five children before the age of 5.

Mr. Mutombo’s contributions have been recognized by President Bush, who acknowledged his humanitarian work during the 2006 State of the Union Address. He has also worked with leaders from across the world, including former presidents Jimmy Carter, George Bush, and Bill Clinton; British Prime Minister Tony Blair; Nelson Mandela, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan; Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.

"My purpose is to make a difference to society," he has said, "not just by being a good human being, but to contribute to lives."

WATER STANDARD is honored to help Dikembe Mutombo pursue his dreams of a better Africa…and a better world.