Start Date: 2014-01-12

Completion Date: 2014-08-30

Technology Used:

To resolve the problem of not having access to potable water, we propose to build a concrete spring capture, which would eliminate water contamination from leaves, branches, animals and surface water. The spring is in the highest part of the community, which allows us to use gravity to distribute the water.

The basic components for the structure are reinforced concrete, the piping necessary to carry the water from the spring to a storage tank (2,587 m); construction of a 12 m3 tank; a distribution network of 7,746 meters of PVC pipe; and 52 tapstands (one for each family), which will each have their own water meter. Each faucet will have a drainage system for residual water, to avoid having puddles form.

To do the hydraulic analysis of the network of pipes, we use the software program “Aire en Tuberías” (Air in Water Pipes) and for the design of the network of pipes, we utilize a program called NEATWORK. Both tools were developed by Agua Para la Vida and are made available without charge on our website.

Each family will construct their own latrine with guidance and training by APLV.

Phases:

The focus of the project on water and sanitation is integral, but will be executed in two phases. It will begin with the construction of latrines, and the would continue with the potable water system, but would also be dependent on obtaining funds.

Community Organization:

The community has a good level of organization. The Potable Water and Sanitation Committee (CAPS in Spanish), was elected by the community and have committed to organizing work groups during the execution of the project, as well as establishing internal procedure for management, operation, and repairs to the systems that are built, so that they will be self-sustaining, and will also monitor the sanitary and environmental conditions of the community. The families have signed documents stating their commitment and responsibility to the project. There is legal documentation for all pieces of land that would be affected by the different construction aspects of the project, including for the reservoir water source with protected areas surrounding it, sites for the construction of storage tanks, and permission for where the pipes cross private land.

Government Interaction:

Although we often work with local government agencies, in this case the local municipal government did not commit to give financing for the different aspects of bringing potable water and sanitation to the community.

Ancillary activities:

Conserving and protecting the water source (reservoir) is a key focus area for Agua Para La Vida, with the objective of being able to provide sustainable management of a micro watershed that will provide potable water to the community of El Achiote. The empowerment of training locals to manage their water system in the future, in both the technical aspects as well as the management and financial aspects.

Other Issues:

In Nicaragua, like in other parts of the world, the impact of having inadequate water and sanitation services falls principally on the poor and extremely poor in rural and peri-urban areas. By not having access to water, their poverty is further aggravated and their productivity is affected. Because of this, it is imperative that local government should play a larger role in providing adequate resources, especially through investments in the water and sanitation sectors in rural areas, but for now this is a slow process.