(Orlando, FL – Feb. 7, 2022) – To increase awareness and encourage action to address the global water crisis, the Global Water Center (GWC), in collaboration with Kohler Co., brings its expansive, educational Mobile Discovery Center (MDC) to the International Builders’ Show and Kitchen & Bath Industry Show on Feb. 8-10.

Lack of safe water is life-threatening and affects one-third of the world’s population – 2.2 billion people. Every 37 seconds a person dies from a preventable waterborne illness, totaling more than 2,300 per day, and 800,000 each year. The global water crisis is urgent and enormous, but solvable. The Global Water Center is touring the nation, showcasing its expansive, educational center and this is the only scheduled visit to this area.

“We are fortunate to live in a nation where almost everyone has access to clean, safe water and it’s easy to lose sight of the perils faced by those in countries who don’t,” said Jeff Winkler, Director of Operations and Legal Affairs for GWC. “Our partner Kohler understands that the lack of safe water poses serious health hazards for one-third of the world’s population. The company has made a remarkable difference globally and locally with purposeful innovation and results, which is the kind of difference the GWC is trying to make. We’re pleased to join forces to bring our exhibit to KBIS and appreciate Kohler’s tremendous support,” Winkler concluded.

Spanning more than 25,000 square feet of exhibit space, the MDC’s experiential journey educates visitors of all ages about the world’s critical water issues and motivates guests to become advocates for safe water. This experience also tells the vibrant stories of water in our world, which are shown through highly visual mediums, including augmented reality, an immersive 360-degree theater, interactive content, and RFID technology.

Major themes within the experience include:

• Water Is Life explores the uniqueness of water on Earth through powerful visuals that demonstrate why it is essential to life. Highlights include an expansive motion-sensor wall with which visitors may engage to reveal natural environments and wildlife.
• Water and People reveals almost every aspect of life that is impacted by water. It details the advantages and opportunities of reliable access to abundant, safe water and the obstacles presented by water scarcity and/or unsafe water. It features the Water Challenge game to test visitors’ knowledge of safe water issues and provides other fun, educational interactive experiences.
• Safe Water for Everyone uses augmented reality to highlight how the best technologies and plans help secure sources of safe water. Highlighted by interactive digital touch tables, it showcases people that have risen from poverty to attain well-being when provided access to safe water.

“As a leading manufacturer in the kitchen and bath industry, Kohler has an intimate understanding of the importance of clean, safe water,” says Cindy Howley, Director of Kohler Stewardship. “Our work through our Safe Water for All initiatives shed light on the need for more and easier access to clean, safe water for everyone around the world. Bringing the Mobile Discovery Center to KBIS gives all of us in the home industry an opportunity to learn more about the issues and how we can directly impact positive change.”

About Global Water Center

The Global Water Center (GWC) is changing the world by convening safe water organizations, corporate partners, government agencies and millions of individuals to collaborate on ending the global water crisis. At present, 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe water, a crisis that leads to waterborne illnesses which claim more than 800,000 lives each year. GWC’s objective is to marshal the collective resources of partner organizations to reduce the number of people without access to safe water to zero. For more information, visit globalwatercenter.org.

 About Kohler Co.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies comprised of more than 40,000 associates. With more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the design, innovation and manufacture of kitchen and bath products; engines and power systems; luxury cabinetry and tile; and owner/operator of two, five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler, Wisconsin, and St. Andrews, Scotland. The company also develops solutions to address pressing issues, such as clean water and sanitation, for underserved communities around the world to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. For more details, please visit kohlercompany.com.