Lack of water is a huge issue for the 300 households of Valle Bonito, a remote Honduran village. A water system installed 20 years ago to bring water from a mountain spring to the village is only able to supply 20 percent of the community’s current water needs. EWB-USA stepped into help. Adopted by the DC Professional Partners Chapter, the Valle Bonito project is managed by CH2M HILL engineer Brock Emerson. After visiting the community to assess its needs and perform a baseline health survey, the EWB-USA team is developing a plan to improve the community’s water supply. Once installed, the new water system will improve health in the community by providing a clean, reliable, and sustainable source of drinking water.

 

The team broke the project up into two phases. Phase 1 focused on improving the existing system. Phase II of the project included the installation of an additional system to service the rest of the community's water needs. For Phase II, EWB-USA, DC partnered with a Honduran Engineering firm for design review and local construction. Construction was performed in the summer of 2008 by in-country technicians with the partnering engineering firm providing on-the-ground oversight. With dedication of the system in October 2008, water now reaches all ends of the community. EWB-USA will continue to work with the village and monitor the system for the next 3-5 years helping the community to optimize their disinfection and live healthier lives.