The Independence Aquifer in central Mexico is in a permanent state of decline and contaminated with toxic levels of arsenic and fluoride, which has led to irreversible health complications like dental & crippling skeletal fluorosis in local communities. This project will provide the training, materials and construction of 29 rainwater-harvesting cisterns and 44 water filter systems for 4 schools, 20 families, and 1 training institute - providing sustainable, safe drinking water for 400+ people.
Regional water levels are declining at alarming rates. Arsenic and fluoride have been found, respectively, at 6 and 15 times above allowable limits. Because of this, in 2013, the Permanent Peoples' Tribunal, a human rights forum, stated, "Given the seriousness of the cases reported by overexploitation and pollution of surface and groundwater and its impact on people and ecosystems, it is recommended that the Mexican governmentdeclare a state of emergency forthe Independence Watershed region."
The Caminos de Agua ceramic water filter, coupled with simple rainwater harvesting cistern, provides inexpensive and sustainable access to a potable water source that: 1) is free of arsenic and fluoride, 2) is free of bacteria and other pathogens, and 3) does not put increasing pressure on already over-exhausted groundwater resources. Local communities are trained to build the cisterns ensuring long-term sustainability.
Rainwater is free of arsenic and fluoride, which in the high concentrations seen in the region produce severe health problems like crippling skeletal fluorosis, kidney failure and mental afflictions. The ceramic water filters assure bacteria-free water, which is the leading cause of water related disease and death globally. We will provide access to safe, clean drinking water to 400+ people, resulting in immediate and long-term impacts on health, education, employment, and quality of life.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
