Walsh, wearing a traditional Masai garment, talks about water programs with CWS’ Mary Obiero. Obiero, a water expert in CWS’ East Africa office will represent the agency at World Water Week, Aug. 22-27 in Stockholm. Photo: CWS
Water is a recurring theme in the life of John M. Walsh III.
“My life’s work is making water safe to use,” says Walsh, the founder of a water quality firm based in New Jersey. “For over 50 years I have been involved in many areas having to do with water quality.”
While Walsh’s work has focused on purifying and monitoring water systems, his passion has been in making sure everyone has access to clean, safe water – a challenge for nearly 1 in 6 people on the planet today.
Walsh’s enthusiasm for clean water may only be eclipsed by his support for Church World Service.
“I recall my parents excitement with the start of Church World Service shortly after World War II ended,” he says. “I have always had a good feeling about CWS ever since I was growing up. I like the CWS approach, which seeks to develop water resources for people who don’t have ample fresh water. As I understand it, this approach sees the providing of good water as a way to minister to those who receive the water and doesn’t have strings attached.”
Walsh also has a passion for quilts, and over the past 20 years has amassed the world’s most renowned collection of contemporary art quilts, in which artists apply nontraditional techniques to an ages-old form. He also commissions quilts, asking the artists to explore subjects which reflect his interest in water. One of these, “Savannah, the Two of Cups,” is a narrative of his life, and includes numerous references to water.
“I have been blessed to be able to work with water and to benefit from my involvement in a field which has been so rewarding to me,” Walsh says. “I want to share those blessings in a way that relates directly to my work. With CWS I know that any support I provide will be used directly to help others to obtain the safe water that many of us, including me, often take for granted.”
-Dolly Dyer/CWS