Building Impactful Partnerships
At Isla Urbana USA, we are deeply grateful for the businesses that support our mission to advance equitable clean water access through rainwater harvesting and management technologies. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people across Mexico struggle with water scarcity. Our strategic collaborations enable us to implement scalable solutions that not only provide immediate relief but also promote long-term, sustainable resilience in communities facing an ongoing lack of accessible clean water.
Last year, our amazing corporate partners were: Kohler, Pentair, Liquid IV, and Premier Banks!
Isla Urbana Rain Schools Program
In Mexico, 6 out of every 10 schools lack access to clean water, with 55% of primary schools lacking basic water and sanitation services (INEE, 2016). One of the ways our partners have helped us fuel our water justice work, has been to fund our Rain Schools Program.
Through the Isla Urbana Rain Schools Program, we provide rainwater harvesting systems and environmental education to educational institutions across Mexico. Each school participating in the program must establish a dedicated Rain Committee composed of students, teachers, and parents who oversee the system’s maintenance, ensure its efficient operation, and support its long-term sustainability. This program not only empowers water-scarce communities to adopt autonomous and sustainable water management practices, but it also instills a sense of responsibility and awareness in students, preparing them to become advocates and guardians of their local resources.
A Rain School Case Study: Kohler Partnership
Apodaca, a heavily industrialized city in the Monterrey Metropolitan Area, hosts 70% of Nuevo León’s industrial plants, while Juárez, another municipality in the region, has experienced the highest demographic growth in the state. Rapid population growth and industrial activities have overwhelmed Monterrey’s outdated water infrastructure, leaving it unable to meet the growing demand.
Frequent water cuts became the norm, and the available water quality deteriorated, appearing muddy and emitting strong odors. By the end of the year, nearby wells were closed, forcing schools—many operating up to three shifts—to shut down multiple times. By 2023 the situation worsened, and many concerned parents began withdrawing their children from school.
In 2024, rainwater harvesting became an essential solution, providing an additional water source to the school and helping to meet part of the demand. Because of the unwavering support of our remarkable partner, Kohler, we installed one rainwater harvesting system in three schools in Monterrey! These three school systems will impact 2,175 people and harvest 201,927 gallons annually!
The recipient schools were Arturo De La Garza González Primary School, Germán Gedovius Huerta Secondary School, and Basave Fernández Del Valle Secondary School. The impact this program creates is not just for the students and staff in the school, it also ripples out to the entire community. One representative from Arturo de la Garza González Primary School shared this sentiment:
“This is a very good project for the entire educational community. Firstly, we are teaching students, who will be the next generation of citizens, about the significant commitment to sustainable water use, which will shape them as more aware and responsible individuals. Secondly, it allows parents to participate and feel engaged with these projects. This process will enable the school to improve in various aspects related to sustainable practices over time.”
Mutually Beneficial Collaboration
For Isla Urbana USA, these partnerships are vital in advancing our mission to improve water accessibility by providing rainwater harvesting systems to the communities that need them most. Corporate support not only funds our programs but also raises awareness of the urgent need for sustainable water solutions. By making stable investments in our rainwater programs, corporate partners ensure long-term sustainability and impact, allowing us to expand our reach and deliver clean, reliable water to more communities.
For our corporate partners, this commitment goes beyond philanthropy—it fosters a culture of social and environmental responsibility while delivering tangible business benefits. Partnering with Isla Urbana can enhance brand reputation, amplify recognition, and position businesses as leaders in water sustainability—all while providing tax advantages. Moreover, aligning with sustainable water solutions can create opportunities to expand into new markets and strengthen stakeholder trust.
Join us in making a lasting impact. Partner with Isla Urbana USA today and be a driving force in the movement for water accessibility and sustainability. Together, we can change lives—one raindrop at a time.
