Throughout the past couple of years, EWB-RHIT has been working on a project to bring clean drinking water to Chaguarloma, Ecuador. Chaguarloma is home to around 35-40 families, located in the northwest region on Quito. Before the project began, members of the community had to walk 3.5 kilometers on a daily basis just to get clean water.
During the first trip, which took place August 2018, EWB-RHIT conducted a social survey to understand the communities needs. Additionally, we conducted water testing and preliminary survey data. The social survey revealed that on average, each family spend 5 hours a day water! The team traveled to many surrounding springs to test the bacteria levels and flow rates to determine the best spring to source the water for the pipeline. Then, the team collected a topographic survey to receive elevation data in order to understand the feasibility of a gravity fed pipeline.
After the first trip, the team had a lot to consider. They have to decide what the best solution was for the community. Two possible solutions were determine, which included a gravity fed pipeline or a pump, to bring the community water. In the end, EWB-RHIT conduced that the gravity fed pipeline was the best solution because multiple other teams have tried to install a pump but have been unsuccessful, leaving the community suspicious of a pump solution. Also, a pump would require power to operate and require more work to maintain.
The second trip took place during February, 2019. EWB-RHIT conducted more survey data, especially near the roadway connecting the potential water sources to the community. The data included GPS locations and elevations for the houses in the community. The team also met with local water board and members of the community to discuss ownership of the water resources and the land used to construct the pipeline. Luckily, most of the community members were willing to work with EWB-RHIT, but some opposed the use of their land and water resources.
Finally, EWB-RHIT will taking part in a trip this year. We are currently unsure of the exact date, but hope it will take place over the summer. The goal of this trip is to finish constructing the spring box by adding a fillet, which will provide longevity to the spring box. A bar screen will be added to screen out debris from the water and a metal panel will be placed on top of the open spring box, allowing for safe drinking water. Finally, a gabion wall will be constructed to prevent erosion.
Multiple more trips will be necessary to finish the project and monitor the success of the pipeline, but we are excited to continue to make steps to finish the project!
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, contract us at rose-hulmaninstituteoftechnology@chapters-ewb-usa.org.