Newsletter October 2017
Water Quality in Region Worsens
Caminos de Agua consistently monitors the water quality situation in our watershed by testing hundreds of samples from wells and private residences; conducting interviews with community members on water access and tracking our projects. This year’s data (both quantitative and qualitative) makes the case that the situation is more urgent than ever since we are tracking more contaminated wells and water sources than ever. Our interviews reveal new levels of concern and desperation around water scarcity from community members.
To address this growing need, Caminos de Agua is undergoing a strategic planning process that will impact every component of the organization. Soon you will see one of those outcomes: a new communications strategy with a rebranding of our current style to better convey the urgency of the matter to our varied constituencies and the action steps each can take to make a difference. We all have a role to play in creating solutions. Caminos de Agua is committed to upping our role in providing accurate water quality information and researching adequate solutions and implementing them.
Dozens of members of the United Communities for Life and Water ('CUVA' in Spanish) Coalition gathered together on September 15th in San José del Carmen to celebrate the completion of 15 rainwater harvesting systems in 8 different communities with Caminos de Agua since July this year. See full blog post.
Casita Linda and Caminos de Agua have joined forces to work with the community of Palo Colorado to build six large-scale rainwater harvesting systems in five new homes built by Casita Linda as well as one in the community’s elementary school. See full blog post.
Caminos de Agua hosted a 6-day course for students from WWU in September. The course’s objective used the Independence Watershed case study to learn about the impact of empowering communities, water contaminants, and practical community-based solutions. See full blog post. (also published in the local newspaper).
September brought disaster to Southern Mexico with earthquakes and hurricane Katia. Caminos de Agua contributed by distributing 23 ceramic water filters to families in the community of San Juan. A thank you to these donors for standing with Chiapas in this time of need! See full blog post.
In August, a diverse group of water professionals, farmers, students, architects, engineers, tradespeople, NGO workers, and other water enthusiasts came together at Caminos de Agua's field site for a 3-day workshop. They learned to build a high-quality, low-cost water treatment system with biochar, gravel, and sand. See full blog post.