Water Distribution Project

Start Date: March, 2006
Main Contact:   Engineers Without Borders, Minnesota, Tony Rochel
Project Manager:   Mateo Paneitz, E.D.
Current Status:   In Progress

Purpose

To provide consistent and safe running water for the people of rural Guatemala.

Description

Lack of water is a tremendous problem in most of rural Guatemala.   Water projects are a priority for many local and international aid organizations.   The Long Way Home water distribution project aims to bridge the gap between locals in need and organizations willing to help. Our record of success in collaborating with international organizations to effectively implement local water projects has led us to offer this service to any group who is in need of water as well as any organization looking to participate in such a project.   

Following the success of the Parque Chimiyá water project, Engineers Without Borders of Minnesota returned to collaborate with Long Way Home on another engineering project in Guatemala.   The community of Simajhuleu, located about 10 miles from the Comalapa town center, owns several natural springs, but currently has no reliable way to access the water.   The community residents have been living for years with no constant running water in their homes.   Engineers Without Borders came to Guaemala in January 2008 to assess the Simajhuleu site and will return later in the year to implement the water system plan they are developing. Long Way Home's function is to act as a liaison between Engineers Without Borders and the community of Simajhuleu, and to coordinate the project's implementation.

Anticipated Outcome

The goal of the Simajhuleu water project is to increase the amount of water available in the homes of community members and to provide a safe water source. The average household in Simajuleu currently shares between 1 and 3 gallons of running water per week, and Engineers Without Borders hopes to raise that amount to match or exceed the international standard of water consumption (16 liters per person per day). The existing water source in Simajhuleu is not potable, and Engineers Without Borders will work to eliminate the high level of contamination in the newly accessible water source.

Health

Diarrhea related illness is one of the main causes of death in Guatemala, particularly in rural areas like Simajuleu.   People frequently contract diseases from water born parasites when there is no clean water available to them.   Other health concerns arise when there is not sufficient water to maintain a family's personal hygiene or maintain a clean household.   The water distribution project seeks to alleviate health related problems resulting from an insufficient and contaminated water supply.

Environmental and Economic Contribution

Lacking other viable options, the people of rural Guatemala sometimes resort to boiling their water to disinfect it.   The result is an exacerbation of two existing problems:   deforestation caused by overuse of firewood, and economic strain on families who must purchase more firewood to boil their water.   Another economically detrimental situation results when families must spend their valuable time collecting water each day.   In some cases children are unable to attend school because they are too busy with the task of water collection.   It is almost impossible for a family to break free from the cycle of poverty when a large part of their day must be spent carrying water to their homes.   This water distribution project will address these environmental and economic concerns in the community of Simajhuleu.

Click here if you would like to help donate toward the develpment of this project or just make a general donation to the vitality of the project. Long Way Home appreciates your contributions and interest in helping make the world a better place.