Revolutionising water access: The resurgence of Hippo Roller technology
- Amina Bahati
- Apr 12
- 3 min read
Access to clean water is fundamental to health, dignity and economic equality, yet millions worldwide still struggle to obtain sufficient water for basic hygiene, drinking, cooking, and irrigation. The Hippo Roller, an innovative solution designed to alleviate the burden of water collection, has proven to be a game-changer in rural communities with limited water infrastructure. As the world moves towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including gender equality, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, the importance of scalable and practical solutions like the Hippo Roller cannot be overstated.
The persistent challenge of water collection
According to UNICEF, approximately 2.2 billion people lack access to safe and readily available drinking water at home. In many regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, women and children spend 200 million hours daily fetching water, often walking long distances with heavy 25-litre buckets. This physically taxing process exposes individuals to health risks, limits educational opportunities, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality.
The Hippo Roller, originally developed in 1991, provides a practical alternative by allowing users to transport 90 litres of water at a time with minimal effort. Unlike traditional methods, this rolling water drum significantly reduces the physical strain and the number of trips required to collect water, leading to improved hygiene, food security, and time efficiency.
Real-world impact and scalability
Over the past 29 years, more than 65,000 Hippo Rollers have been distributed across 56 countries, directly benefiting at least 650,000 people and countless others indirectly. The social enterprise behind the technology, led by Grant Gibbs, continues to scale its efforts, aiming to expand local manufacturing to reduce costs and improve accessibility.
The economic benefits of the Hippo Roller extend beyond water access. By reducing the time spent fetching water, children can attend school more consistently, and adults, particularly women, can pursue employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Increased water availability also allows families to irrigate small-scale food gardens, ensuring better food security and supporting climate resilience.
A catalyst for global collaboration
The Hippo Roller aligns with multiple Global Goals, including clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and climate action (SDG 13). Achieving these goals requires global cooperation, and the Hippo Roller exemplifies how science, innovation, and social enterprises can contribute to sustainable development.
Governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and corporate sponsors play a crucial role in expanding the reach of this life-changing technology. Partnerships with international organisations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization could enhance funding and facilitate large-scale distribution efforts, ensuring that water security becomes a reality for all.
The future of sustainable water solutions
As global challenges related to climate change, population growth, and urbanisation intensify, the demand for efficient and sustainable water solutions will only increase. The resurgence of Hippo Roller technology demonstrates that practical, low-tech innovations can have a lasting impact on millions of lives. Scaling up efforts will require continued investment, policy support, and community engagement, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainability and justice.
To learn more about how to support water accessibility initiatives or to contribute to the distribution of Hippo Rollers, visit Hippo Roller or explore global partnerships working towards equitable water solutions.
Youtube credits: https://www.youtube.com/user/hippowaterroller