Safe Water

771 million people lack access to safe drinking water worldwide

In Central America, more than 85% of people do not have access to safe drinking water

Globally, waterborne illnesses are the second leading cause of death for children under five, and diseases from dirty water kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Most of these deaths are easily preventable. Many water sources in Central America are contaminated with bacteria, causing harmful health issues, including death and disease. Additionally, local infrastructure doesn’t allow easy access to safe drinking water, especially in rural areas where a majority of Central Americans live. This leaves many families to rely on contaminated water for cooking, drinking, and bathing.

The problem extends beyond health risks. When adults become ill, they are absent from work, missing out on crucial income. This is a serious concern for families living in some of the most impoverished countries in the Western Hemisphere where EOS International works. When children fall sick, they miss school, increasing the risk of dropping out early. Easy access to clean water also means less time collecting water and more time in class. Clean water lays the foundation for building a stronger, more prosperous life.

Circuit Rider Model

To ensure sustainable results and long-term success, EOS water technicians regularly travel to rural communities across Central America to provide training, capacity building, technical assistance, and water quality monitoring. Each water technician creates a monthly circuit among their 50-60 communities that they support, guaranteeing families have safe drinking water.

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Water Source Protection

Assess community’s water source and provide protection through physical barriers and watershed reforestation

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Operation & Maintenance

Train community members on system repairs, disinfection procedures, and water quality sampling and monitoring protocols

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Water Treatment

Install water chlorinator system to community’s water storage unit, Requiring no electricity and made from locally-sourced materials

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Chlorine Distribution

Supply chlorine tablets to communities through a network of distribution centers operated by local entrepreneurs

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Water Board Support

Create and support a board of local volunteers to manage their community’s water system through comprehensive trainings

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Financial Management

Collaborate with community on setting a water budget, collecting user payments, basic accounting, and bookkeeping

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Water Quality Monitoring

Regularly revisit communities to test drinking water, record findings, perform system repairs, answer questions, and provide support

Want to Provide Safe Drinking Water for Central America?