Bhumika Chauhan
In the villages of Odisha, where fetching drinking water was once a daily burden, Spring Health India has been rewriting the story of access, health, and dignity since January 11, 2010. Led by Mr. Jacob Mathew, Audrey Selian, and Sandeep Roy Chaudhary, the company has built a sustainable social enterprise that is both profitable and purpose-driven, operating 273 kiosks and delivering safe drinking water to 28,000 families every single day.
A Leap from Corporate to Cause
At 57 years old, Sandeep Roy Chaudhary reflects on a career pivot inspired by the late Dr. Paul Polak and Chairman Jacob Mathew. Leaving behind the corporate path, he embraced a mission that combined environmental responsibility with rural empowerment – a decision that took over a year to make but continues to change thousands of lives.
Technology with a Green Heart
Spring Health uses Chlorine Dioxide purification, powered entirely by solar energy. This non-RO system eliminates water wastage, preserves groundwater, and produces water as safe as any premium filtration unit. Their doorstep delivery model means rural women no longer have to walk miles for water – a change that restores time, energy, and opportunity to households.
Beyond Water – A Social Multiplier
The impact flows far beyond hydration:
- Jobs in rural communities and income for local entrepreneurs
- Gender equality, with 33% of kiosks run by women
- Climate benefits, with 30,000 tonnes of Carbon Credits generated annually
- Health gains, reducing waterborne illnesses and increasing productive workdays
The Struggles that Shaped Success
The journey wasn’t without hardship – there were months without salaries, sceptical investors, and the uphill task of convincing villagers to pay for water. Sandeep himself went unpaid for over two years. Yet persistence, patience, and belief in the mission turned obstacles into stepping stones.
What Makes Spring Health Different
- Eco-friendly, non-RO purification
- Door-to-door delivery making clean water aspirational
- An entrepreneur-based model that shares value with local stakeholders
- Gold Standard Certification recognising environmental and social impact
Looking Forward
With 600,000 Indian villages still lacking safe water, the opportunity ahead is vast. Sandeep envisions expanding this proven model across India and into global regions facing similar challenges.
Awards & Recognition
- 50 Most Impactful Leaders in Water Management, World Water Leadership Congress (2017)
- Top 10 Innovative Start-ups in Water Technology 2025, CIO Tech Outlook
Advice to Future Entrepreneurs
“The first 100K in funding is the hardest. After that, momentum builds. The journey will test you, but the rewards – the lives changed – are worth every challenge.”
