Pair help developing countries get clean water
Staff report
Gov. Mark Sanford has awarded the Order of the Palmetto to a Charleston couple bringing clean water and sanitation to developing countries.
Molly and George C. Greene III were awarded South Carolina's highest civilian honor. Both are involved in Water Missions International, an engineering and faith-based nonprofit that serves the water and sanitation needs of developing countries and disaster areas.
WMI uses low-maintenance, culturally appropriate water technologies for drinking water treatment and distribution, wastewater management and storm water control. With a staff and team of local, national and international volunteers, WMI has programs in 10 countries, including Honduras and Iraq.
Before starting WMI, the Greenes co-founded General Engineering Laboratories in 1981. GEL, head-quartered in Charleston, grew to become the largest privately held single site environmental laboratory in the United States.
The Greenes first developed an awareness of the overwhelming need for safe drinking water and sanitation in 1998 when Hurricane Mitch tore through Honduras, polluting primary water sources.
The couple lives in Charleston and has two children, George and Jeni. They are active members of the Rotary Club of Charleston, Charleston Breakfast Rotary Club, and St. Philip's Episcopal Church.
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