IMPLEMENTING
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The Society for a Secure and Sustainable Water Future (S4SSWF) has focused heavily on real-world rainwater harvesting implementation projects designed to promote long-term water resilience within Virginia. One of the organization’s major projects was the development of a large-scale rainwater harvesting system at Purpose Park in Norfolk, Virginia in collaboration with Teens With a Purpose and alongside broader community support connected to organizations such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The fully off-grid system utilizes both rainwater harvesting and solar energy to capture, store, and reuse thousands of gallons of rainwater for irrigation and community agricultural use while also serving as an educational example of practical decentralized water infrastructure. The project highlighted how sustainable water systems can support local food production, conservation efforts, youth engagement, energy independence, and climate resilience at the community level.
Building upon this work, S4SSWF is also preparing for a future rainwater harvesting implementation initiative connected to George Mason University. The proposed project aims to further demonstrate how rainwater harvesting can be integrated into institutional and educational environments as part of broader sustainability and water conservation efforts. Through both the Purpose Park project and future university-based initiatives, the organization hopes to continue expanding public awareness surrounding sustainable water practices while encouraging communities to view rainwater as a valuable resource rather than waste. Support our mission by exploring our "Volunteer Opportunities" or “Join the Society” pages, donating through the homepage, or contacting us about sponsoring or recommending future sustainability installations.
EDUCATING
The Society for a Secure and Sustainable Water Future (S4SSWF) not only focuses on implementation projects, but also public education and community engagement surrounding long-term water resilience and sustainability. As part of this mission, Leslie Jarvis delivered a TED Talk sharing the story behind a family-led fight to advance rainwater harvesting, sustainable infrastructure, and environmental advocacy within Virginia.
When It Rains (Rough Cut) follows Tyrone Jarvis, owner of Go Green Auto Care and a leader within S4SSWF, over the course of a Sunday. Through interviews, archive footage, and everyday moments, the film explores Virginia’s growing data center industry and S4SSWF fight for sustainable water solutions through rainwater harvesting.
This is an in-house S4SSWF production created to educate communities on environmental issues through original media, storytelling, and public awareness efforts centered around sustainability and water resilience. Through projects like When It Rains, S4SSWF aims to make complex environmental topics more accessible, personal, and engaging for broader audiences.
Special thanks to Eugenia Karagiannis, Ivan Abreu Luciano, Evan Possley, and Professor Laura Hinson for their contributions to the film.
S4SSWF also works alongside universities, students, and community partners to advance education surrounding water sustainability. Recent efforts have included serving as a client organization for a graduate public policy capstone project at American University and upcoming sustainability implementation initiatives connected to George Mason University.
To inquire about speaking opportunities, screenings, or collaborations, contact:
team@s4sswf.org
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