Press Release

Xylem Watermark and nonprofit partners bring support, infrastructure and relief to Typhoon Haiyan survivors

November 21, 2013

In the wake of one of the world’s deadliest water-related disasters, Xylem Watermark, Mercy Corps and Planet Water Foundation help victims begin to recover

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 21, 2013-- Xylem Inc. (NYSE:XYL), a leading global water technology company focused on addressing the world’s most challenging water issues, in partnership with Mercy Corps and Planet Water Foundation, announced today it is providing safe water and sanitation solutions to support survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

This collaborative response is part of Xylem WatermarkSM, the company’s corporate citizenship and social investment program which aims to provide and protect clean water sources around the world – for those impacted by water scarcity or are at risk due to water-related disasters such as hurricanes, floods and droughts. Since 2008, Xylem Watermark has worked specifically with Mercy Corps to provide lifesaving water before, during and after emergencies, and since 2012, has partnered with Planet Water Foundation to provide innovative, gravity-fed water filtration systems (AquaTowers) to communities in need. These AquaTowers can be constructed in one day, can provide clean water for more than 1,000 people daily, and can be maintained exclusively by local communities.

In preparation for Typhoon Haiyan’s landfall in the Philippines, Xylem Watermark and Mercy Corps activated their joint 24-hour response protocol, designed to mobilize each partner’s global resources to quickly secure water for victims. Xylem Watermark immediately authorized US $100,000 from its emergency response fund to support Mercy Corps with on-the-ground efforts in and around Cebu.

The partners are working rapidly to assess damages, mobilize response teams, source basic needs such as food and other essential items, and will work to provide water and sanitation to displaced individuals as quickly as possible. Xylem also announced the company will double match all employee donations to Mercy Corps, up to US $50,000, to support Philippines relief efforts.

“We are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan," said Steve Loranger, chief executive officer and president of Xylem. "In the wake of such catastrophic damage, water and sanitation are often among the greatest needs, and so we are proud to partner with Mercy Corps and Planet Water Foundation to support critical efforts on the ground in the Philippines."

In addition, Xylem Watermark and Planet Water Foundation will construct two AquaTowers in the affected Tacloban region to support survivors and their families in the weeks, months and years ahead. “With some of Planet Water’s existing installations providing safe water within evacuation centers, the additional AquaTowers funded by Xylem will further support the critical need for safe drinking water benefiting thousands of displaced residents,” said Nick Hill, executive chairman of Planet Water Foundation.

Mercy Corps, with a long and impactful history of critical emergency response in some of the world’s toughest places, immediately recognized the magnitude of devastation by Typhoon Haiyan. "It is an unfortunate truth that we continue to see events like Typhoon Haiyan in greater numbers, and with increasing intensity, all around the world," said Neal Keny-Guyer, chief executive officer of Mercy Corps. “By leveraging our expertise in collaboration with support from organizations like Xylem, we are able to rapidly, holistically and meaningfully respond to the needs of survivors – making them and their communities even more resilient and more prepared for what is next.”

About Xylem

Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology provider, enabling customers to transport, treat, test and efficiently use water in public utility, residential and commercial building services, industrial and agricultural settings. The company does business in more than 150 countries through a number of market-leading product brands, and its people bring broad applications expertise with a strong focus on finding local solutions to the world’s most challenging water and wastewater problems. Xylem is headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., with 2012 revenues of $3.8 billion and approximately 12,900 employees worldwide. Xylem was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the last two years for advancing sustainable business practices and solutions worldwide.

The name Xylem is derived from classical Greek and is the tissue that transports water in plants, highlighting the engineering efficiency of our water-centric business by linking it with the best water transportation of all -- that which occurs in nature. For more information, please visit us at www.xyleminc.com.

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global humanitarian agency saving and improving lives in the world’s toughest places. With a network of experienced professionals in more than 40 countries, we partner with local communities to put bold ideas into action to help people recover, overcome hardship and build better lives. For the past five years, Xylem and Mercy Corps have provided water solutions to disaster victims in 15 countries, including Japan, Haiti, Pakistan, Ethiopia and the United States. In January 2013, Xylem and Mercy Corps completed a two-year pilot project to test the impact and effectiveness of disaster risk reduction projects around the world. Conclusions and findings from these projects were compiled into a detailed report, emphasizing the importance of preparation, community engagement and capacity-building. For more information, visit mercycorps.org.

About Planet Water

Planet Water is a US-based, nonprofit international development organization focused on bringing clean water to the world's most disadvantaged communities through the installation of community-based water filtration systems and education programs on water health and hygiene. Our projects are focused on schools, children, and rural communities who lack access to clean, safe water. Since 2012, Xylem Watermark and Planet Water Foundation have built more than 20 water towers near Manila and in Calamba, Philippines, and dozens more in China, India and Cambodia. You can read more about Xylem Watermark’s global impact on our interactive map.

Source: Xylem Inc.

Xylem Inc.
Jennifer Jacob, +1-914-323-5745
Jennifer.Jacob@xyleminc.com