Watergen Brings Innovative Water Technology to the Hard Rock Community in Navajo Nation, Backed by a Jewish and Native American Coalition
(Hard Rock Chapter, Navajo Nation, AZ – July 7th, 2021) -- The Israeli company Watergen has implemented a pilot project, installing a GEN-M water generator at Rocky Ridge Gas & Market (RRGM), located in the Hard Rock Community of the Navajo Nation. The project was facilitated by store owner Germaine Simonson, Tó Nizhóní Ání (TNA), StandWithUs, Bright Path Strong (BPS), and 4D Products & Services (4D), in coordination with Arlando Teller, former Arizona State Representative and current Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs for the U.S. Department of Transportation. Arizona State Representative Alma Hernandez (LD3) assisted with the launch of this joint effort as well.
Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, President and CEO of Watergen, said, “The drinking water crisis is the most important issue of our time, and it is for that reason that Watergen is working tirelessly to realize one goal: to bring drinking water from the air to people everywhere. When I heard about the dire situation in Navajo Nation, I immediately decided that Watergen would be active in delivering our solution there as quickly as possible. It is our great pleasure to work together with the local leadership, StandWithUs, and BPS in providing this sustainable and innovative source of clean drinking water. The result will be increased water access to local residents, which in turn fosters better public safety and health in this time of crisis. I am sure that this is just the beginning, and that together we will bring even more devices to the region and to Native American communities around the country.”
Watergen’s innovative technology creates high quality drinking water from air, and this project aims to address the lack of access to clean drinking water within the Hard Rock community. According to recent estimates, nearly 10,000 families across Navajo Nation lack access to running water.
Nicole Horseherder, Executive Director of Tó Nizhóní Ání, said, "we live in a region in which drinking water sources have been compromised by coal mining. Any way to mitigate the need for water while the aquifers recover is critical.”
TNA worked with Germaine Simonson and Marvin “Callo” James, owners at RRGM, to prepare the site and install the electrical hardware needed to operate the GEN-M.
Deputy Secretary Teller said, "Tó ííná át'é. In translation: ‘Water Is Life.’ Ms. Germaine Simonson and Ms. Nicole Horseherder have led this community-based effort to assure installation of this machine is operable and servicing community members. I am very excited about our collaboration with Watergen, StandWithUs, BPS, and Rep. Alma Hernandez to address the lack of potable water in the Rocky Ridge/Hard Rock communities."
"StandWithUs is honored to work with members of the Navajo Nation on this important pilot project, and hope it is the first of many we do together," said Max Samarov, Executive Director of Research & Strategy at StandWithUs. "We are also deeply grateful to Watergen and their visionary President, Dr. Michael Mirilashvili. This partnership is a unique opportunity to engage with Israel and help ensure Watergen's technology reaches communities that need it most."
"Access to clean drinking water has long been a threat to many Native communities and the onslaught of climate change is accelerating this challenge. Bright Path Strong is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Watergen to bring their life-giving technology to help alleviate this need within tribal communities—areas where some of the most vulnerable reside,” said BPS Board Member Dennis Hendricks.
The Watergen GEN-M produces up to 211 gallons of purified drinking water per day, depending on climate conditions. Despite very low humidity in Hard Rock, the GEN-M unit that was placed there has begun producing substantial amounts of water. Watergen, 4D, and TNA will continue to monitor its effectiveness, and evaluate whether Watergen's technology can help other communities within the Navajo Nation.
Watergen, Bright Path Strong, 4D, and StandWithUs have also partnered to promote a crowdfunding campaign aimed at bringing the GEN-M to additional Native American communities. As part of that campaign, Watergen and 4D are matching donations up to $400,000.
Watergen and StandWithUs are working together on additional projects inside and outside the U.S., which will be announced as they are implemented. For StandWithUs, this partnership is at the center of a larger initiative called Connect for Progress.
About Watergen:
Watergen is the pioneering Israeli company that has become the global leader in the atmospheric drinking water generators (AWG) market, machines that create drinking water from the air. Watergen has been named one of Time Magazines “100 Best Inventions of 2019”, received 1st prizes at CES 2019 and CES 2020, and was recognized by Israel’s Ministry of Economy as one of the 7 most innovative inventions in Israeli national history.
About Rocky Ridge Gas & Market
Rocky Ridge Gas & Market (RRGM) is a Navajo-owned convenience store in Rocky Ridge, AZ, operated by Marvin "Callo" James and Germaine Simonson. RRGM was previously owned by one of the first Traders to the Navajo Nation over 60 years ago. Today Germain and Callo work hard to bring fresh and healthy foods to the community as well as favorite snacks.
About Tó Nizhóní Ání
Tó Nizhóní Ání (TNA) is a community organization based in the heart of the Dził Yíjiin (Black Mesa) region, incorporated under the Navajo Nation Business Regulatory.. TNAs primary mission is to protect the water and aquifers of Black Mesa and the Navajo Nation.
About Bright Path Strong:
Founded in 2020, Bright Path Strong is a Native led non-profit that was created to continue Jim Thorpe’s legacy of community service.
About 4D:
4D Products & Services LLC is a Native American certified Small Disadvantaged Business and the exclusive Watergen distributor for Indian Country. 4D is committed to the development and promotion of sustainable technology geared towards equipping communities for the future.
About StandWithUs & Connect for Progress
StandWithUs (SWU) is an international, non-profit and non-partisan Israel education organization, dedicated to educating people of all ages about Israel and fighting antisemitism. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Los Angeles, the organization has chapters and programs on 5 continents, including in the U.S., Israel, UK, Canada, South Africa and Brazil. Connect for Progress is a SWU initiative which builds on that global network by connecting communities worldwide to unique Israeli solutions.
