Location
District of Poroto, Department of La Libertad, Peru
Community Description
The district of Poroto is located in the department of La Libertad, 45 km east of Trujillo. There are three population centers, each with up to 1,000 people, and more than 30 outlying communities, with populations of dozens, for a total of less than 4,000.
Poroto is primarily agricultural, with pineapple as the common crop, taking advantage of the perpetually warm climate and irrigation from the Rio Moche.
Seventeen different gravity-fed water systems, all drawn from protected springs, provide for household needs, all managed by community-led water committees, or juntas de agua. Most communities operate on minimal funds paying monthly fees of $0.40 to $0.80 per family.
Problem Addressed
Water testing has shown high fecal coliform and bacteria levels in sources, reservoirs, and from household taps. The Ministry of Health has deemed 14 systems unfit for human consumption.
Regulation of the chlorine level is needed to make the water safe for drinking.
Project Description
This project is to improve the water systems of four communities by installing industrial float vales in each to control the chlorine content and usage.
The project follows on, and utilizes the same technology as, the Poroto Water Project – Peru, which was successfully completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Read McCulloch.
The water systems to be improved under this project are located in the communities of Shiran (600 people), Platanar (400 people), Dos de Mayo (125 people), and Huayabito (75 people).
The project will be managed by Agua Potable Poroto, which will purchase the appropriate equipment for designated communities.
Water Charity funds will be used to pay for the valves.
The work will be done by local skilled technicians, with assistance as necessary from the communities.
Training is being provided to operators to properly use and service the equipment so that a healthy but tolerable level of chlorine can be maintained. Included in this is training on measuring residual chlorine levels and how to adjust the dosage.
Project Impact
1,200 people will benefit from the project.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Read McCulloch
Monitoring and Maintenance
Read McCulloch will monitor and evaluate the success of the new equipment, including effectiveness and sustainability. As needed, local operators will gain the capacity to operate independently.
Comments
This embodies the Water Charity concept of developing model projects and proliferating the technology in new areas using the skills and knowledge accumulated along the way.
These systems will be maintained effectively with continuous chlorination, resulting in health, safety, and financial benefits.
Dollar Amount of Project
$553.26
Donations Collected to Date
$553.26
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has been fully funded through the generosity of Fable Naturals, of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, as part of their giving back program. Additional funds from the Elmo Foundation and Michael & Carla Boyle were donated, and allocated to future projects in Peru.
This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Read McCullough To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.
You may continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Read of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund projects by of other PCVs in Peru