In 2003, Nestlé began a partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to address the water needs of more than 200'000 Somali refugees and local people in Eastern Ethiopia. The partnership is based on financial support through cash donations of more than $US 700’000, as well as on-going technical assistance by Nestlé Waters' hydrogeologist and water resources manager.

The installation of a multi-faceted water system including rehabilitated wells, an improved pumping and purification station connected to a 22-km pipeline, new water taps in adjacent villages and a new dam to capture rainfall have resulted from this partnership. During 2005, the Company began the process of handing over the long-term operation and maintenance of the system to local water authorities.