Rolling Water Foundation, 2015
The following is an excerpt from an article written for The Guardian, "Africa innovations: 15 ideas helping to transform a continent", dated 26th August 2012.
For the full article, click here.
Idea: The Hippo water roller is a drum that can be rolled on the ground, making it easier for those without access to taps to haul larger amounts of water faster.
Problem: Two out of every five people in Africa have no nearby water facilities and are forced to walk long distances to reach water sources. Traditional methods of balancing heavy loads of water on the head limit the amount people can carry, and cause long-term spinal injuries. Women and children usually carry out these time-consuming tasks, missing out on educational and economic opportunities. In extreme cases, they can be at increased risks of assault or rape when travelling long distances.
Method: The Hippo roller can be filled with water which is then pushed or pulled using a handle. The weight of the water is spread evenly so a full drum carries almost five times more than traditional containers, but weighs in at half the usual 20kg, allowing it to be transported faster. A steel handle has been designed to allow two pushers for steeper hills. "Essentially it alleviates the suffering people endure just to collect water and take it home. Boreholes or wells can dry out but people can still use the same roller [in other wells]. One roller will typically serve a household of seven for five to seven years," said project manager Grant Gibbs.
Verdict: Around 42,000 Hippo rollers have been sold in 21 African countries and demand exceeds supply. Costing $125 each, they are distributed through NGOs. A mobile manufacturing unit is set to begin making them in Tanzania. Nelson Mandela has made a "personal appeal" for supporting for the project, saying it "will positively change the lives of millions of our fellow South Africans".
Monica Mark
Our Club's involvement
Update 2021
What began as a response to food insecurity during the pandemic grew into one of Rotary’s most impactful international collaborations.
Through the efforts of 154 Rotary clubs across 28 districts, the 1,000 Survival Garden Kits Project raised over $300,000, delivering 1,281 water rollers and garden kits to 34 Southern African communities — empowering more than 10,000 people. This success stands as a powerful testament to Rotary’s reach, compassion, and ability to mobilize at scale.
Now, that same energy and momentum are shifting toward scaling water access through the new Eco Water Roller — a South African–designed and manufactured innovation built to extend Rotary’s proven impact even further. The Eco Water Roller Scaling Project builds on the success of the Survival Garden Kits initiative, expanding Rotary’s reach across Southern Africa and empowering even more families through access to water.
Click here to view the Final Rotary Report
On September 1, the Roll a Hippo Foundation will become the Rolling Water Foundation.
We’re changing our name to better reflect what we do. It’s the same mission, same team, and the same focus—getting water rollers into the hands of vulnerable women and children in South Africa.
What’s Changing
- Our public name and branding (website, email, receipts) will now say Rolling Water Foundation.
- You'll see updated visuals in our reports and on social media.
What’s Not Changing
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Our partnership with Rotary Clubs delivering Survival Garden Kits.
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Your impact—every dollar still pushes water access forward.
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Our Canadian charitable registration number (#800661845RR0001).
There’s nothing you need to do—past receipts remain valid.
Thank you for standing with us as we roll forward!
