Privacy Policy

WaterProtector is operated by the Transboundary Water In-Cooperation Network (TWIN). TWIN is committed to transparency, data privacy, and environmental accountability. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle the personal information you provide when using our platform to report water-related problems.

What Information We Collect and How We Use It

When You Submit a Report

When you use WaterProtector to submit a report, we collect:

  • Your name (optional)
  • Your contact details (email, optional)
  • Location of the issue
  • Description of the issue
  • Optional photos or updates

This information is:

  • Forwarded to relevant local authorities or TWIN representatives
  • Displayed publicly on the map (excluding your email and phone number)
  • Stored securely in our database

Note: Your email address is never displayed publicly. Your name is shown only if you choose to include it.

When You Add an Update or Respond to a Survey

Updates are visible on the website. If you provide an email address, we may send a follow-up asking whether the issue has been resolved.

When You Subscribe to Alerts

We collect your email address with your alert preferences. You may unsubscribe any time using the link provided in the email.

When You Contact Us

Your message is stored securely and only accessible to authorized support staff for the purpose of resolving your query.

Research Use

We may use anonymized report data for research or share it with academic and nonprofit partners. This data contains no identifying information such as names or emails.

Use of Third-Party Services

We use external services including:

  • Google Maps API (to display and select locations)
  • Google Analytics (with anonymized IP tracking)

These are used solely for improving the platform and are not used to collect personal data.

Cookies

WaterProtector uses cookies to:

  • Maintain your login session
  • Measure site usage anonymously

Disabling cookies in your browser may impact site functionality.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the data we hold about you
  • Correct inaccurate data
  • Delete or anonymize your report
  • Unsubscribe from notifications

You may anonymize reports by logging into your account and selecting "Hide your name."

To request access or deletion of your personal data, contact us.

Data Retention

  • Reports are retained publicly for transparency and research purposes
  • Inactive user data is removed after two years
  • Support emails are deleted after two years

You may request earlier removal of your personal data by contacting us.

Your Right to Object

You may object to our data processing. We will assess your request and either comply or explain our lawful grounds to retain it. Contact us to initiate this process.

Changes to This Policy

We may revise this policy. Updates will be posted here with the new effective date.

WaterProtector is a free, open-source platform for communities, NGOs, and researchers documenting water issues worldwide. A project of the Transboundary Water In-Cooperation Network (TWIN).