This project will build 136 water catchment systems (rainwater collection) and provide water filters in the village of San Francisco Jolomtaj, providing families with clean, secure water source during the dry season.
When it rains in the Northwest Highlands of Guatemala, it seems endless. When the dry season begins, it seems endless as well. In San Francisco Jolomtaj, 151 families rely on an open system to harvest the rainwater. The water flows from their rusted metal roof to a black plastic lined box or hole in the ground. Uncovered, these sources are unprotected from the elements, insects and animals. Families that use this water source in the dry season report health related issues primarily diarrhea.
Hands for Peacemaking Foundation, the families of San Francisco Jolomtaj and a team from North America, will install a simple, easy to maintain water catchment systems for 151 families. A small pad is built with a sloped roof and gutter system that drains into a 2,500-liter, closed poly-tank. This system secures the water in a UV protected tank, reducing the likelihood of contamination which leads to illness. The project will also deliver water filters to each family, reducing the need to boil.
The project will ensure that over a 1,000 people in the village of San Francisco Jolomtaj will have access to clean, secure water during the dry season. The catchment systems have been in use in Northwest Guatemala for over ten years. These systems also reduce the time spent walking to water sources during the dry season. Villagers travel up to two hours to gather enough water for two days of use in the home. The water filters will reduce the economic & environmental impact of burning wood.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
