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    [title] => Clean Water for Nicaragua
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Is this a...: 
ongoing project
Did DoSomething.org’s content or programs inspire you to start, or help you to grow your project? : 
yes
Web site link: 
http://www.nicaprojects.org
Current age (NOTE: this section is for people 25 and younger): 
21
How many people are directly involved in your project? : 
5
How many people have you inspired to take action?: 
25
How many people has your project helped?  : 
250
Location(s)

Houston, TX, 77005
See map: Google Maps
What's the problem you are trying to solve?: 
<p>San Jose de Cusmapa is a rural municipality in northern Nicaragua comprised mostly of subsistence farmers.  The district contains twenty-six separate communities: an urban capital of roughly 1500 people and a dispersed rural area of more than 5500.  Although residents of the capital utilize an intermittent water and electric supply, the vast majority of rural residents lacks these amenities, as well as access to basic health care.  I first visited Cusmapa in August 2009 as a guest of a well-established, non-profit organization called Fabretto Children's Foundation to conduct a preliminary assessment of the needs in the area.  I was unsurprised to find that the communities within Cusmapa, like most rural villages in Nicaragua, have severe problems related to water, sanitation, and health.  In one community I visited, I found that nearly every family drank water directly from the nearby river and no family filtered their water.  This is cause for concern, primarily because rivers are downstream of many sources of contamination.  These include nearby latrines and farms in which animals reside.  Especially during heavy rains, runoff will carry fecal contamination, namely E. coli, into rivers and unprotected wells.  The World Health Organization (WHO) names E. coli as a significant danger to the health of residents in rural communities.  Furthermore, the WHO has cited E. coli as causing infections leading to “infants presenting with mal-nutrition, weight loss and growth retardation."  (Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.  Geneva:  The World Health Organization, 2008)
</p>

<p>After returning from my trip, I worked closely with Fabretto to identify specific solutions to the chronic water contamination problems of this region in Nicaragua.  Together, we developed a two-fold approach to permanently improving access to clean water.  First, we identified acute illnesses that result from direct water contamination.  These include parasites, E. coli, and general viral and bacterial infection.  We determined that this problem required immediate action and could not wait for permanent infrastructure to slowly reach these communities.  Second, we identified persistent infrastructure failures inherent in developing countries.  This included lack of roads, electricity, protected wells and springs, water storage, water distribution, and water purification systems.
</p>
Why is it important to you?: 
needs updating
What's your plan of action?: 
<p>The goals of this project are to:
</p>

<p><ul> <li>Deliver clean water to the 5000 most rural residents in Cusmapa.</li> <li>Educate each community on proper use and care of the filter.</li>
<li>Evaluate the success of the project by periodically measuring the efficacy of the filters.</li>
<li>Establish a network of community management that includes water committees and other local management.</li>
<li>Expand the collaborations to permanent water infrastructure</li> </ul>
</p>

<p>The first objective of this project addresses the acute water contamination issue. This past December I traveled to Nicaragua to conduct Phase 2 of my overall initiative. The purpose was to implement pilot water filter projects in two communities in San Jose de Cusmapa.  Working with a local organization called Potters for Peace, I purchased ceramic water filters for each family in these communities. This filter is an appropriate, sustainable technology for removing microbial contamination and is manufactured near the capital city of Managua. There are two mechanisms built into the filter: a mechanical barrier that forces water to travel through micron-sized pores, preventing passage of bacteria and parasites; and a colloidal silver lining that has both antibacterial and antiviral properties. The communities in Cusmapa were already familiar with these filters because they are in each of the schools.  Furthermore, the filters were offered at a highly subsidized cost, and the small funds paid by the families went to a community pool for maintenance and replacement of the filters.
</p>

<p>We hosted a community meeting explaining use and care of the filters. After distributing the filters, we followed up at each house to ensure their proper installation. The project was a huge success and many families from neighboring communities were already requesting to have the project expanded. This coming May I plan to return to Nicaragua as part of Phase 3, which will include expansion of the ceramic water filter project to all twenty-six rural communities in Cusmapa. The goal is to provide each of the roughly 1100 families with clean water via point-of-use filtration. To verify the effectiveness of the filters, we will test all drinking water sources in each community for E. coli and total bacterial coliforms. The water testing will then be conducted immediately after filtration through the ceramic filter. The water testing will be repeated after six months. This testing will be used to evaluate the ability of community members to properly use, clean, and maintain their filters. I will also periodically evaluate the maintenance of the filters and if necessary conduct follow-up community education sessions on use and care of the ceramic filter.
</p>

<p>The second objective of this project is more extensive and addresses the long-standing infrastructure issues in this region of Nicaragua. The Mayor of Cusmapa has provided a description of the need as well as plans for developing these communities. However, as in most developing countries, a lack of funds and technical resources has severely limited the government’s ability to provide potable water to its nearly 5500 rural residents. Working with Fabretto Children’s Foundation and the municipal government, I plan to lay the foundation for establishing permanent water infrastructure in Cusmapa.
</p>

<p>The largest and most needy of the communities in Cusmapa is Tamarindo. This cluster of more than 350 residents suffers from severe water contamination and lack of infrastructure. The river that flows through this community is the only source of water. However, three kilometers away rests a single, clean spring. The government estimated the cost to distribute water from this spring to the entire community at nearly $40,000. The quantity of water provided would, however, be sufficient for all of Tamarindo. Although this community is a top priority for development by the municipality, severe budget limitations will likely prevent this project from happening in the near future.
</p>

<p>This community is representative of each of the twenty-six poor and rural communities of Cusmapa. Every community needs a potable water system delivering clean water from an ample and protected source. I plan to use Tamarindo as a model for providing not just clean water, but developing community management and sustainability, and delivering necessary education and support to ensure a successful model that can be replicated in future projects. My successful experience from EWB working with the municipal government, health ministry, and community has been informative and will provide the basis for this sustainable community development model.
</p>

<p>First, we will work with the municipal government (mayor, engineers, staff) to assess and design a water distribution system for Tamarindo. I am currently working with engineers in Houston to assist with design work for this community and other communities in Cusmapa. Together we will oversee the implementation of this project in Tamarindo. Second, we will work with the community to establish a “water committee” that will manage the project from start to finish and beyond. The water committee will be comprised of a half dozen residents from Tamarindo. They will be charged with organizing community labor participation in the project. Furthermore, they will be trained on how to operate and maintain the system. This includes collecting usage fees and making/arranging for repairs if necessary. The committee will hopefully be maintained as a permanent entity in the community and will take on further responsibilities as the community grows. Finally, we will work with Fabretto and the local health ministry to provide educational workshops related to sanitation (hand washing, proper latrine construction, and hygiene), water (proper chlorination, filtration, and storage), and health (child nutrition).
</p>

<p>The success and long term viability of this project is not limited to my year long initiative. By properly fostering relationships between organizations, governments, and communities, we can create a permanent and expandable collaboration. These are the people and entities that live in Nicaragua, and thus will be most invested in the development of this project. My hope is that after the project is finished, the collaborations toward solving the problems of health, water, and sanitation will continue to flourish and set an example for others to follow.
</p>
Total hours volunteered (to date): 
330
Start Date: 
08/01/2009
End Date: 
07/01/2011
Money Raised: 
$25,000
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San Jose de Cusmapa is a rural municipality in northern Nicaragua comprised mostly of subsistence farmers.  The district contains twenty-six separate communities: an urban capital of roughly 1500 people and a dispersed rural area of more than 5500.  Although residents of the capital utilize an intermittent water and electric supply, the vast majority of rural residents lacks these amenities, as well as access to basic health care.  I first visited Cusmapa in August 2009 as a guest of a well-established, non-profit organization called Fabretto Children's Foundation to conduct a preliminary assessment of the needs in the area.  I was unsurprised to find that the communities within Cusmapa, like most rural villages in Nicaragua, have severe problems related to water, sanitation, and health.  In one community I visited, I found that nearly every family drank water directly from the nearby river and no family filtered their water.  This is cause for concern, primarily because rivers are downstream of many sources of contamination.  These include nearby latrines and farms in which animals reside.  Especially during heavy rains, runoff will carry fecal contamination, namely E. coli, into rivers and unprotected wells.  The World Health Organization (WHO) names E. coli as a significant danger to the health of residents in rural communities.  Furthermore, the WHO has cited E. coli as causing infections leading to “infants presenting with mal-nutrition, weight loss and growth retardation."  (Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.  Geneva:  The World Health Organization, 2008)


After returning from my trip, I worked closely with Fabretto to identify specific solutions to the chronic water contamination problems of this region in Nicaragua.  Together, we developed a two-fold approach to permanently improving access to clean water.  First, we identified acute illnesses that result from direct water contamination.  These include parasites, E. coli, and general viral and bacterial infection.  We determined that this problem required immediate action and could not wait for permanent infrastructure to slowly reach these communities.  Second, we identified persistent infrastructure failures inherent in developing countries.  This included lack of roads, electricity, protected wells and springs, water storage, water distribution, and water purification systems.

                    [view] => <p>San Jose de Cusmapa is a rural municipality in northern Nicaragua comprised mostly of subsistence farmers.  The district contains twenty-six separate communities: an urban capital of roughly 1500 people and a dispersed rural area of more than 5500.  Although residents of the capital utilize an intermittent water and electric supply, the vast majority of rural residents lacks these amenities, as well as access to basic health care.  I first visited Cusmapa in August 2009 as a guest of a well-established, non-profit organization called Fabretto Children's Foundation to conduct a preliminary assessment of the needs in the area.  I was unsurprised to find that the communities within Cusmapa, like most rural villages in Nicaragua, have severe problems related to water, sanitation, and health.  In one community I visited, I found that nearly every family drank water directly from the nearby river and no family filtered their water.  This is cause for concern, primarily because rivers are downstream of many sources of contamination.  These include nearby latrines and farms in which animals reside.  Especially during heavy rains, runoff will carry fecal contamination, namely E. coli, into rivers and unprotected wells.  The World Health Organization (WHO) names E. coli as a significant danger to the health of residents in rural communities.  Furthermore, the WHO has cited E. coli as causing infections leading to “infants presenting with mal-nutrition, weight loss and growth retardation."  (Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.  Geneva:  The World Health Organization, 2008)
</p>

<p>After returning from my trip, I worked closely with Fabretto to identify specific solutions to the chronic water contamination problems of this region in Nicaragua.  Together, we developed a two-fold approach to permanently improving access to clean water.  First, we identified acute illnesses that result from direct water contamination.  These include parasites, E. coli, and general viral and bacterial infection.  We determined that this problem required immediate action and could not wait for permanent infrastructure to slowly reach these communities.  Second, we identified persistent infrastructure failures inherent in developing countries.  This included lack of roads, electricity, protected wells and springs, water storage, water distribution, and water purification systems.
</p>
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The goals of this project are to:


 
Deliver clean water to the 5000 most rural residents in Cusmapa.
 
Educate each community on proper use and care of the filter.
Evaluate the success of the project by periodically measuring the efficacy of the filters.
Establish a network of community management that includes water committees and other local management.
Expand the collaborations to permanent water infrastructure
 


The first objective of this project addresses the acute water contamination issue. This past December I traveled to Nicaragua to conduct Phase 2 of my overall initiative. The purpose was to implement pilot water filter projects in two communities in San Jose de Cusmapa.  Working with a local organization called Potters for Peace, I purchased ceramic water filters for each family in these communities. This filter is an appropriate, sustainable technology for removing microbial contamination and is manufactured near the capital city of Managua. There are two mechanisms built into the filter: a mechanical barrier that forces water to travel through micron-sized pores, preventing passage of bacteria and parasites; and a colloidal silver lining that has both antibacterial and antiviral properties. The communities in Cusmapa were already familiar with these filters because they are in each of the schools.  Furthermore, the filters were offered at a highly subsidized cost, and the small funds paid by the families went to a community pool for maintenance and replacement of the filters.


We hosted a community meeting explaining use and care of the filters. After distributing the filters, we followed up at each house to ensure their proper installation. The project was a huge success and many families from neighboring communities were already requesting to have the project expanded. This coming May I plan to return to Nicaragua as part of Phase 3, which will include expansion of the ceramic water filter project to all twenty-six rural communities in Cusmapa. The goal is to provide each of the roughly 1100 families with clean water via point-of-use filtration. To verify the effectiveness of the filters, we will test all drinking water sources in each community for E. coli and total bacterial coliforms. The water testing will then be conducted immediately after filtration through the ceramic filter. The water testing will be repeated after six months. This testing will be used to evaluate the ability of community members to properly use, clean, and maintain their filters. I will also periodically evaluate the maintenance of the filters and if necessary conduct follow-up community education sessions on use and care of the ceramic filter.


The second objective of this project is more extensive and addresses the long-standing infrastructure issues in this region of Nicaragua. The Mayor of Cusmapa has provided a description of the need as well as plans for developing these communities. However, as in most developing countries, a lack of funds and technical resources has severely limited the government’s ability to provide potable water to its nearly 5500 rural residents. Working with Fabretto Children’s Foundation and the municipal government, I plan to lay the foundation for establishing permanent water infrastructure in Cusmapa.


The largest and most needy of the communities in Cusmapa is Tamarindo. This cluster of more than 350 residents suffers from severe water contamination and lack of infrastructure. The river that flows through this community is the only source of water. However, three kilometers away rests a single, clean spring. The government estimated the cost to distribute water from this spring to the entire community at nearly $40,000. The quantity of water provided would, however, be sufficient for all of Tamarindo. Although this community is a top priority for development by the municipality, severe budget limitations will likely prevent this project from happening in the near future.


This community is representative of each of the twenty-six poor and rural communities of Cusmapa. Every community needs a potable water system delivering clean water from an ample and protected source. I plan to use Tamarindo as a model for providing not just clean water, but developing community management and sustainability, and delivering necessary education and support to ensure a successful model that can be replicated in future projects. My successful experience from EWB working with the municipal government, health ministry, and community has been informative and will provide the basis for this sustainable community development model.


First, we will work with the municipal government (mayor, engineers, staff) to assess and design a water distribution system for Tamarindo. I am currently working with engineers in Houston to assist with design work for this community and other communities in Cusmapa. Together we will oversee the implementation of this project in Tamarindo. Second, we will work with the community to establish a “water committee” that will manage the project from start to finish and beyond. The water committee will be comprised of a half dozen residents from Tamarindo. They will be charged with organizing community labor participation in the project. Furthermore, they will be trained on how to operate and maintain the system. This includes collecting usage fees and making/arranging for repairs if necessary. The committee will hopefully be maintained as a permanent entity in the community and will take on further responsibilities as the community grows. Finally, we will work with Fabretto and the local health ministry to provide educational workshops related to sanitation (hand washing, proper latrine construction, and hygiene), water (proper chlorination, filtration, and storage), and health (child nutrition).


The success and long term viability of this project is not limited to my year long initiative. By properly fostering relationships between organizations, governments, and communities, we can create a permanent and expandable collaboration. These are the people and entities that live in Nicaragua, and thus will be most invested in the development of this project. My hope is that after the project is finished, the collaborations toward solving the problems of health, water, and sanitation will continue to flourish and set an example for others to follow.

                    [view] => <p>The goals of this project are to:
</p>

<p><ul> <li>Deliver clean water to the 5000 most rural residents in Cusmapa.</li> <li>Educate each community on proper use and care of the filter.</li>
<li>Evaluate the success of the project by periodically measuring the efficacy of the filters.</li>
<li>Establish a network of community management that includes water committees and other local management.</li>
<li>Expand the collaborations to permanent water infrastructure</li> </ul>
</p>

<p>The first objective of this project addresses the acute water contamination issue. This past December I traveled to Nicaragua to conduct Phase 2 of my overall initiative. The purpose was to implement pilot water filter projects in two communities in San Jose de Cusmapa.  Working with a local organization called Potters for Peace, I purchased ceramic water filters for each family in these communities. This filter is an appropriate, sustainable technology for removing microbial contamination and is manufactured near the capital city of Managua. There are two mechanisms built into the filter: a mechanical barrier that forces water to travel through micron-sized pores, preventing passage of bacteria and parasites; and a colloidal silver lining that has both antibacterial and antiviral properties. The communities in Cusmapa were already familiar with these filters because they are in each of the schools.  Furthermore, the filters were offered at a highly subsidized cost, and the small funds paid by the families went to a community pool for maintenance and replacement of the filters.
</p>

<p>We hosted a community meeting explaining use and care of the filters. After distributing the filters, we followed up at each house to ensure their proper installation. The project was a huge success and many families from neighboring communities were already requesting to have the project expanded. This coming May I plan to return to Nicaragua as part of Phase 3, which will include expansion of the ceramic water filter project to all twenty-six rural communities in Cusmapa. The goal is to provide each of the roughly 1100 families with clean water via point-of-use filtration. To verify the effectiveness of the filters, we will test all drinking water sources in each community for E. coli and total bacterial coliforms. The water testing will then be conducted immediately after filtration through the ceramic filter. The water testing will be repeated after six months. This testing will be used to evaluate the ability of community members to properly use, clean, and maintain their filters. I will also periodically evaluate the maintenance of the filters and if necessary conduct follow-up community education sessions on use and care of the ceramic filter.
</p>

<p>The second objective of this project is more extensive and addresses the long-standing infrastructure issues in this region of Nicaragua. The Mayor of Cusmapa has provided a description of the need as well as plans for developing these communities. However, as in most developing countries, a lack of funds and technical resources has severely limited the government’s ability to provide potable water to its nearly 5500 rural residents. Working with Fabretto Children’s Foundation and the municipal government, I plan to lay the foundation for establishing permanent water infrastructure in Cusmapa.
</p>

<p>The largest and most needy of the communities in Cusmapa is Tamarindo. This cluster of more than 350 residents suffers from severe water contamination and lack of infrastructure. The river that flows through this community is the only source of water. However, three kilometers away rests a single, clean spring. The government estimated the cost to distribute water from this spring to the entire community at nearly $40,000. The quantity of water provided would, however, be sufficient for all of Tamarindo. Although this community is a top priority for development by the municipality, severe budget limitations will likely prevent this project from happening in the near future.
</p>

<p>This community is representative of each of the twenty-six poor and rural communities of Cusmapa. Every community needs a potable water system delivering clean water from an ample and protected source. I plan to use Tamarindo as a model for providing not just clean water, but developing community management and sustainability, and delivering necessary education and support to ensure a successful model that can be replicated in future projects. My successful experience from EWB working with the municipal government, health ministry, and community has been informative and will provide the basis for this sustainable community development model.
</p>

<p>First, we will work with the municipal government (mayor, engineers, staff) to assess and design a water distribution system for Tamarindo. I am currently working with engineers in Houston to assist with design work for this community and other communities in Cusmapa. Together we will oversee the implementation of this project in Tamarindo. Second, we will work with the community to establish a “water committee” that will manage the project from start to finish and beyond. The water committee will be comprised of a half dozen residents from Tamarindo. They will be charged with organizing community labor participation in the project. Furthermore, they will be trained on how to operate and maintain the system. This includes collecting usage fees and making/arranging for repairs if necessary. The committee will hopefully be maintained as a permanent entity in the community and will take on further responsibilities as the community grows. Finally, we will work with Fabretto and the local health ministry to provide educational workshops related to sanitation (hand washing, proper latrine construction, and hygiene), water (proper chlorination, filtration, and storage), and health (child nutrition).
</p>

<p>The success and long term viability of this project is not limited to my year long initiative. By properly fostering relationships between organizations, governments, and communities, we can create a permanent and expandable collaboration. These are the people and entities that live in Nicaragua, and thus will be most invested in the development of this project. My hope is that after the project is finished, the collaborations toward solving the problems of health, water, and sanitation will continue to flourish and set an example for others to follow.
</p>
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Location(s)

Houston, TX, 77005
See map: Google Maps
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What's the problem you are trying to solve?: 
<p>San Jose de Cusmapa is a rural municipality in northern Nicaragua comprised mostly of subsistence farmers.  The district contains twenty-six separate communities: an urban capital of roughly 1500 people and a dispersed rural area of more than 5500.  Although residents of the capital utilize an intermittent water and electric supply, the vast majority of rural residents lacks these amenities, as well as access to basic health care.  I first visited Cusmapa in August 2009 as a guest of a well-established, non-profit organization called Fabretto Children's Foundation to conduct a preliminary assessment of the needs in the area.  I was unsurprised to find that the communities within Cusmapa, like most rural villages in Nicaragua, have severe problems related to water, sanitation, and health.  In one community I visited, I found that nearly every family drank water directly from the nearby river and no family filtered their water.  This is cause for concern, primarily because rivers are downstream of many sources of contamination.  These include nearby latrines and farms in which animals reside.  Especially during heavy rains, runoff will carry fecal contamination, namely E. coli, into rivers and unprotected wells.  The World Health Organization (WHO) names E. coli as a significant danger to the health of residents in rural communities.  Furthermore, the WHO has cited E. coli as causing infections leading to “infants presenting with mal-nutrition, weight loss and growth retardation."  (Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.  Geneva:  The World Health Organization, 2008)
</p>

<p>After returning from my trip, I worked closely with Fabretto to identify specific solutions to the chronic water contamination problems of this region in Nicaragua.  Together, we developed a two-fold approach to permanently improving access to clean water.  First, we identified acute illnesses that result from direct water contamination.  These include parasites, E. coli, and general viral and bacterial infection.  We determined that this problem required immediate action and could not wait for permanent infrastructure to slowly reach these communities.  Second, we identified persistent infrastructure failures inherent in developing countries.  This included lack of roads, electricity, protected wells and springs, water storage, water distribution, and water purification systems.
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                            [#value] => 
What's your plan of action?: 
<p>The goals of this project are to:
</p>

<p><ul> <li>Deliver clean water to the 5000 most rural residents in Cusmapa.</li> <li>Educate each community on proper use and care of the filter.</li>
<li>Evaluate the success of the project by periodically measuring the efficacy of the filters.</li>
<li>Establish a network of community management that includes water committees and other local management.</li>
<li>Expand the collaborations to permanent water infrastructure</li> </ul>
</p>

<p>The first objective of this project addresses the acute water contamination issue. This past December I traveled to Nicaragua to conduct Phase 2 of my overall initiative. The purpose was to implement pilot water filter projects in two communities in San Jose de Cusmapa.  Working with a local organization called Potters for Peace, I purchased ceramic water filters for each family in these communities. This filter is an appropriate, sustainable technology for removing microbial contamination and is manufactured near the capital city of Managua. There are two mechanisms built into the filter: a mechanical barrier that forces water to travel through micron-sized pores, preventing passage of bacteria and parasites; and a colloidal silver lining that has both antibacterial and antiviral properties. The communities in Cusmapa were already familiar with these filters because they are in each of the schools.  Furthermore, the filters were offered at a highly subsidized cost, and the small funds paid by the families went to a community pool for maintenance and replacement of the filters.
</p>

<p>We hosted a community meeting explaining use and care of the filters. After distributing the filters, we followed up at each house to ensure their proper installation. The project was a huge success and many families from neighboring communities were already requesting to have the project expanded. This coming May I plan to return to Nicaragua as part of Phase 3, which will include expansion of the ceramic water filter project to all twenty-six rural communities in Cusmapa. The goal is to provide each of the roughly 1100 families with clean water via point-of-use filtration. To verify the effectiveness of the filters, we will test all drinking water sources in each community for E. coli and total bacterial coliforms. The water testing will then be conducted immediately after filtration through the ceramic filter. The water testing will be repeated after six months. This testing will be used to evaluate the ability of community members to properly use, clean, and maintain their filters. I will also periodically evaluate the maintenance of the filters and if necessary conduct follow-up community education sessions on use and care of the ceramic filter.
</p>

<p>The second objective of this project is more extensive and addresses the long-standing infrastructure issues in this region of Nicaragua. The Mayor of Cusmapa has provided a description of the need as well as plans for developing these communities. However, as in most developing countries, a lack of funds and technical resources has severely limited the government’s ability to provide potable water to its nearly 5500 rural residents. Working with Fabretto Children’s Foundation and the municipal government, I plan to lay the foundation for establishing permanent water infrastructure in Cusmapa.
</p>

<p>The largest and most needy of the communities in Cusmapa is Tamarindo. This cluster of more than 350 residents suffers from severe water contamination and lack of infrastructure. The river that flows through this community is the only source of water. However, three kilometers away rests a single, clean spring. The government estimated the cost to distribute water from this spring to the entire community at nearly $40,000. The quantity of water provided would, however, be sufficient for all of Tamarindo. Although this community is a top priority for development by the municipality, severe budget limitations will likely prevent this project from happening in the near future.
</p>

<p>This community is representative of each of the twenty-six poor and rural communities of Cusmapa. Every community needs a potable water system delivering clean water from an ample and protected source. I plan to use Tamarindo as a model for providing not just clean water, but developing community management and sustainability, and delivering necessary education and support to ensure a successful model that can be replicated in future projects. My successful experience from EWB working with the municipal government, health ministry, and community has been informative and will provide the basis for this sustainable community development model.
</p>

<p>First, we will work with the municipal government (mayor, engineers, staff) to assess and design a water distribution system for Tamarindo. I am currently working with engineers in Houston to assist with design work for this community and other communities in Cusmapa. Together we will oversee the implementation of this project in Tamarindo. Second, we will work with the community to establish a “water committee” that will manage the project from start to finish and beyond. The water committee will be comprised of a half dozen residents from Tamarindo. They will be charged with organizing community labor participation in the project. Furthermore, they will be trained on how to operate and maintain the system. This includes collecting usage fees and making/arranging for repairs if necessary. The committee will hopefully be maintained as a permanent entity in the community and will take on further responsibilities as the community grows. Finally, we will work with Fabretto and the local health ministry to provide educational workshops related to sanitation (hand washing, proper latrine construction, and hygiene), water (proper chlorination, filtration, and storage), and health (child nutrition).
</p>

<p>The success and long term viability of this project is not limited to my year long initiative. By properly fostering relationships between organizations, governments, and communities, we can create a permanent and expandable collaboration. These are the people and entities that live in Nicaragua, and thus will be most invested in the development of this project. My hope is that after the project is finished, the collaborations toward solving the problems of health, water, and sanitation will continue to flourish and set an example for others to follow.
</p>
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What's the problem you are trying to solve?: 
<p>San Jose de Cusmapa is a rural municipality in northern Nicaragua comprised mostly of subsistence farmers.  The district contains twenty-six separate communities: an urban capital of roughly 1500 people and a dispersed rural area of more than 5500.  Although residents of the capital utilize an intermittent water and electric supply, the vast majority of rural residents lacks these amenities, as well as access to basic health care.  I first visited Cusmapa in August 2009 as a guest of a well-established, non-profit organization called Fabretto Children's Foundation to conduct a preliminary assessment of the needs in the area.  I was unsurprised to find that the communities within Cusmapa, like most rural villages in Nicaragua, have severe problems related to water, sanitation, and health.  In one community I visited, I found that nearly every family drank water directly from the nearby river and no family filtered their water.  This is cause for concern, primarily because rivers are downstream of many sources of contamination.  These include nearby latrines and farms in which animals reside.  Especially during heavy rains, runoff will carry fecal contamination, namely E. coli, into rivers and unprotected wells.  The World Health Organization (WHO) names E. coli as a significant danger to the health of residents in rural communities.  Furthermore, the WHO has cited E. coli as causing infections leading to “infants presenting with mal-nutrition, weight loss and growth retardation."  (Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.  Geneva:  The World Health Organization, 2008)
</p>

<p>After returning from my trip, I worked closely with Fabretto to identify specific solutions to the chronic water contamination problems of this region in Nicaragua.  Together, we developed a two-fold approach to permanently improving access to clean water.  First, we identified acute illnesses that result from direct water contamination.  These include parasites, E. coli, and general viral and bacterial infection.  We determined that this problem required immediate action and could not wait for permanent infrastructure to slowly reach these communities.  Second, we identified persistent infrastructure failures inherent in developing countries.  This included lack of roads, electricity, protected wells and springs, water storage, water distribution, and water purification systems.
</p>
Why is it important to you?: 
needs updating
What's your plan of action?: 
<p>The goals of this project are to:
</p>

<p><ul> <li>Deliver clean water to the 5000 most rural residents in Cusmapa.</li> <li>Educate each community on proper use and care of the filter.</li>
<li>Evaluate the success of the project by periodically measuring the efficacy of the filters.</li>
<li>Establish a network of community management that includes water committees and other local management.</li>
<li>Expand the collaborations to permanent water infrastructure</li> </ul>
</p>

<p>The first objective of this project addresses the acute water contamination issue. This past December I traveled to Nicaragua to conduct Phase 2 of my overall initiative. The purpose was to implement pilot water filter projects in two communities in San Jose de Cusmapa.  Working with a local organization called Potters for Peace, I purchased ceramic water filters for each family in these communities. This filter is an appropriate, sustainable technology for removing microbial contamination and is manufactured near the capital city of Managua. There are two mechanisms built into the filter: a mechanical barrier that forces water to travel through micron-sized pores, preventing passage of bacteria and parasites; and a colloidal silver lining that has both antibacterial and antiviral properties. The communities in Cusmapa were already familiar with these filters because they are in each of the schools.  Furthermore, the filters were offered at a highly subsidized cost, and the small funds paid by the families went to a community pool for maintenance and replacement of the filters.
</p>

<p>We hosted a community meeting explaining use and care of the filters. After distributing the filters, we followed up at each house to ensure their proper installation. The project was a huge success and many families from neighboring communities were already requesting to have the project expanded. This coming May I plan to return to Nicaragua as part of Phase 3, which will include expansion of the ceramic water filter project to all twenty-six rural communities in Cusmapa. The goal is to provide each of the roughly 1100 families with clean water via point-of-use filtration. To verify the effectiveness of the filters, we will test all drinking water sources in each community for E. coli and total bacterial coliforms. The water testing will then be conducted immediately after filtration through the ceramic filter. The water testing will be repeated after six months. This testing will be used to evaluate the ability of community members to properly use, clean, and maintain their filters. I will also periodically evaluate the maintenance of the filters and if necessary conduct follow-up community education sessions on use and care of the ceramic filter.
</p>

<p>The second objective of this project is more extensive and addresses the long-standing infrastructure issues in this region of Nicaragua. The Mayor of Cusmapa has provided a description of the need as well as plans for developing these communities. However, as in most developing countries, a lack of funds and technical resources has severely limited the government’s ability to provide potable water to its nearly 5500 rural residents. Working with Fabretto Children’s Foundation and the municipal government, I plan to lay the foundation for establishing permanent water infrastructure in Cusmapa.
</p>

<p>The largest and most needy of the communities in Cusmapa is Tamarindo. This cluster of more than 350 residents suffers from severe water contamination and lack of infrastructure. The river that flows through this community is the only source of water. However, three kilometers away rests a single, clean spring. The government estimated the cost to distribute water from this spring to the entire community at nearly $40,000. The quantity of water provided would, however, be sufficient for all of Tamarindo. Although this community is a top priority for development by the municipality, severe budget limitations will likely prevent this project from happening in the near future.
</p>

<p>This community is representative of each of the twenty-six poor and rural communities of Cusmapa. Every community needs a potable water system delivering clean water from an ample and protected source. I plan to use Tamarindo as a model for providing not just clean water, but developing community management and sustainability, and delivering necessary education and support to ensure a successful model that can be replicated in future projects. My successful experience from EWB working with the municipal government, health ministry, and community has been informative and will provide the basis for this sustainable community development model.
</p>

<p>First, we will work with the municipal government (mayor, engineers, staff) to assess and design a water distribution system for Tamarindo. I am currently working with engineers in Houston to assist with design work for this community and other communities in Cusmapa. Together we will oversee the implementation of this project in Tamarindo. Second, we will work with the community to establish a “water committee” that will manage the project from start to finish and beyond. The water committee will be comprised of a half dozen residents from Tamarindo. They will be charged with organizing community labor participation in the project. Furthermore, they will be trained on how to operate and maintain the system. This includes collecting usage fees and making/arranging for repairs if necessary. The committee will hopefully be maintained as a permanent entity in the community and will take on further responsibilities as the community grows. Finally, we will work with Fabretto and the local health ministry to provide educational workshops related to sanitation (hand washing, proper latrine construction, and hygiene), water (proper chlorination, filtration, and storage), and health (child nutrition).
</p>

<p>The success and long term viability of this project is not limited to my year long initiative. By properly fostering relationships between organizations, governments, and communities, we can create a permanent and expandable collaboration. These are the people and entities that live in Nicaragua, and thus will be most invested in the development of this project. My hope is that after the project is finished, the collaborations toward solving the problems of health, water, and sanitation will continue to flourish and set an example for others to follow.
</p>
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Total hours volunteered (to date): 
330
Start Date: 
08/01/2009
End Date: 
07/01/2011
Money Raised: 
$25,000
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            [#children] => 
Is this a...: 
ongoing project
Did DoSomething.org’s content or programs inspire you to start, or help you to grow your project? : 
yes
Web site link: 
http://www.nicaprojects.org
Current age (NOTE: this section is for people 25 and younger): 
21
How many people are directly involved in your project? : 
5
How many people have you inspired to take action?: 
25
How many people has your project helped?  : 
250
Location(s)

Houston, TX, 77005
See map: Google Maps
What's the problem you are trying to solve?: 
<p>San Jose de Cusmapa is a rural municipality in northern Nicaragua comprised mostly of subsistence farmers.  The district contains twenty-six separate communities: an urban capital of roughly 1500 people and a dispersed rural area of more than 5500.  Although residents of the capital utilize an intermittent water and electric supply, the vast majority of rural residents lacks these amenities, as well as access to basic health care.  I first visited Cusmapa in August 2009 as a guest of a well-established, non-profit organization called Fabretto Children's Foundation to conduct a preliminary assessment of the needs in the area.  I was unsurprised to find that the communities within Cusmapa, like most rural villages in Nicaragua, have severe problems related to water, sanitation, and health.  In one community I visited, I found that nearly every family drank water directly from the nearby river and no family filtered their water.  This is cause for concern, primarily because rivers are downstream of many sources of contamination.  These include nearby latrines and farms in which animals reside.  Especially during heavy rains, runoff will carry fecal contamination, namely E. coli, into rivers and unprotected wells.  The World Health Organization (WHO) names E. coli as a significant danger to the health of residents in rural communities.  Furthermore, the WHO has cited E. coli as causing infections leading to “infants presenting with mal-nutrition, weight loss and growth retardation."  (Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.  Geneva:  The World Health Organization, 2008)
</p>

<p>After returning from my trip, I worked closely with Fabretto to identify specific solutions to the chronic water contamination problems of this region in Nicaragua.  Together, we developed a two-fold approach to permanently improving access to clean water.  First, we identified acute illnesses that result from direct water contamination.  These include parasites, E. coli, and general viral and bacterial infection.  We determined that this problem required immediate action and could not wait for permanent infrastructure to slowly reach these communities.  Second, we identified persistent infrastructure failures inherent in developing countries.  This included lack of roads, electricity, protected wells and springs, water storage, water distribution, and water purification systems.
</p>
Why is it important to you?: 
needs updating
What's your plan of action?: 
<p>The goals of this project are to:
</p>

<p><ul> <li>Deliver clean water to the 5000 most rural residents in Cusmapa.</li> <li>Educate each community on proper use and care of the filter.</li>
<li>Evaluate the success of the project by periodically measuring the efficacy of the filters.</li>
<li>Establish a network of community management that includes water committees and other local management.</li>
<li>Expand the collaborations to permanent water infrastructure</li> </ul>
</p>

<p>The first objective of this project addresses the acute water contamination issue. This past December I traveled to Nicaragua to conduct Phase 2 of my overall initiative. The purpose was to implement pilot water filter projects in two communities in San Jose de Cusmapa.  Working with a local organization called Potters for Peace, I purchased ceramic water filters for each family in these communities. This filter is an appropriate, sustainable technology for removing microbial contamination and is manufactured near the capital city of Managua. There are two mechanisms built into the filter: a mechanical barrier that forces water to travel through micron-sized pores, preventing passage of bacteria and parasites; and a colloidal silver lining that has both antibacterial and antiviral properties. The communities in Cusmapa were already familiar with these filters because they are in each of the schools.  Furthermore, the filters were offered at a highly subsidized cost, and the small funds paid by the families went to a community pool for maintenance and replacement of the filters.
</p>

<p>We hosted a community meeting explaining use and care of the filters. After distributing the filters, we followed up at each house to ensure their proper installation. The project was a huge success and many families from neighboring communities were already requesting to have the project expanded. This coming May I plan to return to Nicaragua as part of Phase 3, which will include expansion of the ceramic water filter project to all twenty-six rural communities in Cusmapa. The goal is to provide each of the roughly 1100 families with clean water via point-of-use filtration. To verify the effectiveness of the filters, we will test all drinking water sources in each community for E. coli and total bacterial coliforms. The water testing will then be conducted immediately after filtration through the ceramic filter. The water testing will be repeated after six months. This testing will be used to evaluate the ability of community members to properly use, clean, and maintain their filters. I will also periodically evaluate the maintenance of the filters and if necessary conduct follow-up community education sessions on use and care of the ceramic filter.
</p>

<p>The second objective of this project is more extensive and addresses the long-standing infrastructure issues in this region of Nicaragua. The Mayor of Cusmapa has provided a description of the need as well as plans for developing these communities. However, as in most developing countries, a lack of funds and technical resources has severely limited the government’s ability to provide potable water to its nearly 5500 rural residents. Working with Fabretto Children’s Foundation and the municipal government, I plan to lay the foundation for establishing permanent water infrastructure in Cusmapa.
</p>

<p>The largest and most needy of the communities in Cusmapa is Tamarindo. This cluster of more than 350 residents suffers from severe water contamination and lack of infrastructure. The river that flows through this community is the only source of water. However, three kilometers away rests a single, clean spring. The government estimated the cost to distribute water from this spring to the entire community at nearly $40,000. The quantity of water provided would, however, be sufficient for all of Tamarindo. Although this community is a top priority for development by the municipality, severe budget limitations will likely prevent this project from happening in the near future.
</p>

<p>This community is representative of each of the twenty-six poor and rural communities of Cusmapa. Every community needs a potable water system delivering clean water from an ample and protected source. I plan to use Tamarindo as a model for providing not just clean water, but developing community management and sustainability, and delivering necessary education and support to ensure a successful model that can be replicated in future projects. My successful experience from EWB working with the municipal government, health ministry, and community has been informative and will provide the basis for this sustainable community development model.
</p>

<p>First, we will work with the municipal government (mayor, engineers, staff) to assess and design a water distribution system for Tamarindo. I am currently working with engineers in Houston to assist with design work for this community and other communities in Cusmapa. Together we will oversee the implementation of this project in Tamarindo. Second, we will work with the community to establish a “water committee” that will manage the project from start to finish and beyond. The water committee will be comprised of a half dozen residents from Tamarindo. They will be charged with organizing community labor participation in the project. Furthermore, they will be trained on how to operate and maintain the system. This includes collecting usage fees and making/arranging for repairs if necessary. The committee will hopefully be maintained as a permanent entity in the community and will take on further responsibilities as the community grows. Finally, we will work with Fabretto and the local health ministry to provide educational workshops related to sanitation (hand washing, proper latrine construction, and hygiene), water (proper chlorination, filtration, and storage), and health (child nutrition).
</p>

<p>The success and long term viability of this project is not limited to my year long initiative. By properly fostering relationships between organizations, governments, and communities, we can create a permanent and expandable collaboration. These are the people and entities that live in Nicaragua, and thus will be most invested in the development of this project. My hope is that after the project is finished, the collaborations toward solving the problems of health, water, and sanitation will continue to flourish and set an example for others to follow.
</p>
Total hours volunteered (to date): 
330
Start Date: 
08/01/2009
End Date: 
07/01/2011
Money Raised: 
$25,000
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