Potable Water for La Pitajaya

Introduction EWB’s Mission: to address international development challenges through design and implementation of sustainable engineering projects Perú Program (2011-Present): Building a potable water system in La Pitajaya (in two phases) to replace the polluted Rio Moche as a source of drinking water Aims for Summer 2013 Trip

For Alta

La Pitajaya Alta’s Water System Implementation July-August 2013: Phase 2 of Implementation Completion of the Alta water system Trenched and laid remaining 2 km of main pipeline ~1km distribution pipeline to households Installation of Reservoir tank Pressure break tank A tapstand at every household Maintenance of water system training for select members of the Water Committee PLAY VIDEO AFTER THIS SLIDE A completed tapstand!

La Pitajaya Baja’s Assessment Trip July-August 2013: Two potential sources: one with flow rate of 0.05 L/s; other with flow rate of 0.22 L/s Water samples sent in for quality testing Monthly updates of water flow from community members Altitude, GPS and distance measurements re-taken at both sources and along potential pipeline routes Potential sites for source capture, spring box, reservoir tank and pressure breaks located ; obvious choice of second source (chloroform levels…) to check if potable Meeting with residents of Baja

Community Relationships Education: Project in Samne School: 13 lesson plans concerning water, health, and environmental issues to be integrated into existing curriculum Will continue partnership with school this year Collaborated with local NGOs and Peace Corps Volunteers to strengthen community relationships Community Contacts ; taught to high school students Conduct maintenance training for select members of the water committee who will be responsible for system upkeep With the Director of the Samne School

Challenges On-site communication with community members Community’s eagerness to make progress Galvanised pipe too expensive so used PE Rocky sections of pipeline route that were untrenchable Locating and removing blockages and/or minor breakages in pipeline

Lessons Learned—Going forwards Installment of Tee’s Installment of Check-valves Complete parts list Conducting survey with community to assess health

How Our Lives Have Been Influenced Deeper insight into International Development Experience of working in developing countries Our Career paths

Special Thanks to Jonathan Glassman, graduate student mentor Nolan Pereira, on-site technical mentor Don Moris, on-site technical mentor The Keller Center Princeton Environmental Institute