Ecuador Potable Project

Project Completion

Curent Percentage/100 % complete

Project Budget

Current Budget/15242 Dollars

Community Need

All humans need potable water to live. Prior to EWB engagement, the Malingua Pamba community had a rudimentary potable water distribution infrastructure in place. Problems such as pressure irregularities, line breaks, and sedimentation plagued the system. Since EWB involvement, the system has improved substantially. We have been successful in providing water to 85% of the community; however much work still needs to be done to make sure that the progress will be sustainable. This is undoubtedly the most challenging and most rewarding aspect of any development project.

Project Team Goals

The primary goal of EWB has always been to provide 100% of the community with access to safe and reliable drinking water. We have made significant strides in this area, but there are still a few outlying areas that still have inconsistent water availability. We are steadfastly closing in on our goal. To increase the reliability of the system, we have strategically placed pressure break tanks, which effectively reduce the pressure that builds up along lines with large elevation gradients.

Another main goal of the project is to make sure that our progress is sustainable in the long term. We need to ensure that the community is able to maintain the system that EWB has put in place as well as to improve and expand the system as needed. Education is a key component to achieving this goal, and EWB has maintained a commitment towards education and training from the beginning. This includes the training of “maestros,” or plumbers, who are skilled in troubleshooting and fixing maintenance problems. The community is so adept at tank construction and pipe laying that EWB supervision is no longer necessary. The next step in their education will be further training on how to properly locate new pressure break tanks and design new systems. The final step will be handing over the system to the Potable Water Leadership Board, a group of community members who we are working with to ensure a smooth transition.

Milestones

November 2009 – Stabilized the system with 2 pressure break tanks; extended the system to outlying areas; performed Water Quality Testing; and held meetings with the Potable Water Leadership Board
April 2009 – Developed the Potable Water Leadership Board; continued mapping and assessment; completed a pressure audit; and performed further training of maestros
November 2008 – Implemented improvements to the potable water systems, while continuing mapping, assessment and educational activities and construction oversight of an additional pressure break tank
April 2008 – Implemented improvements to the potable water systems, while continuing mapping, assessment and educational activities
October 2007 – Implemented improvements to the potable water systems, while continuing mapping, assessment and educational activities
April 2007 – Detailed mapping of water system elements; data collection to assess watershed yield and dry season agricultural potential; and, education in practical aspects of system repair and build-out, while repairing and replacing segments of the potable water system
November 2006 – Gathered information on the existing water systems, tested water sources for water quality parameters, and collected information on community health, community water rights and community interest in water supply improvements