CLEAN WATER STORAGE
Problem
Safe water storage is challenging and expensive to achieve because it is generally beyond the financial means of families to procure. Men generally work as day laborers in fields, earning approx. 45Q (about $6) for a half days work when they can find it.
As such, even when a source of relatively clean water is available, such as from the well in Los Cebollines, storage at homes is usually done in open or partially covered containers. This can lead to organic and inorganic contamination of the water, which can result in widespread stomach sickness, especially among children. Crossover contamination from raw sewage is an ongoing concern.
Planned Solution:
Provide a water storage container with a seal ed cap to significantly reduce the introduction of contaminants into the water. Commercially available containers are readily available, but beyond the economic ability of residents to purchase. Approximately, $200 per storage tank, plus tubing and valves.
Advantages:
- Greatly reduces the likelihood of the introduction of contaminants.
- Allows storage of additional water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and irrigation.
- Improved family health at relatively low cost.
- Scalable 450L. or 1100 L. system, dependent on family size.
- Readily available in most metropolitan areas.
- Access encourages children to drink water to reduce high rates of childhood diabetes and obesity.
Disadvantages:
- Requires elevated structure capable of holding weight of tank when full.