Improving Lives
In Q4 of 2024 we evaluated the quality of water in rivers and households within the project area by analyzing physical, chemical, and biological parameters. Coordinates, pictures and names of participants have been anonymized.
Sample Source | E. Coli (ufc/100 ml) | Total Coliforms | Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ufc/250 ml) | Source Description | Additional Insights | Conclusion |
Private house 1 S. – Well | 0 | 0 | 0 | Water from public well in Puerto Trujillo | Public wells are often treated or naturally protected from contamination; results confirm safe usage. | The water is microbiologically acceptable for human consumption, with no detected contamination. |
Private house 2 J. – Deep Well | 15 | 25 | 2 | Deep well at home (22 meters) in Puerto Trujillo | Shallow wells (<30 m) are more prone to contamination due to proximity to surface pollutants. | The water is microbiologically contaminated with E. Coli and Pseudomonas, posing health risks. |
Private house 3 J. – Deep Well | 0 | 150 | 5 | Deep well at home (9 meters) in Puerto Trujillo | A depth of 9 meters is insufficient to filter out contaminants, leading to elevated coliform levels. | The water contains high levels of Total Coliforms and Pseudomonas, making it unsuitable for drinking. |
Private house 4 Farm – Tank | 0 | 215 | 0 | Tank from natural water source pipe | Contaminants may originate from inadequate pipe protection or animal activity near the source. | Elevated Total Coliform levels indicate microbial contamination; not safe for consumption. |
Private house 5 Farm – Tank | 0 | 125 | 0 | Tank from natural water source pipe | Natural water sources, unless treated, are susceptible to microbial contamination. | High Total Coliform count makes the water unsafe for drinking or household use. |
River Iteviare River | 25 | 190 | 0 | Surface water from the river | Rivers often carry agricultural runoff or human waste, explaining high E. Coli and coliform levels. | High levels of E. Coli and Total Coliforms indicate microbial contamination; unsafe for use. |
Action Plan 2025
Notify Affected Households and Communities
- Share the test results with the households and stakeholders.✓
- Educate them on the health risks of consuming or using contaminated water.✓
- Provide immediate solutions, such as boiling water or using portable water filters.✓
Identify Contamination Sources
- Private wells: Test surrounding soil and inspect construction integrity (e.g., depth, casing).✓
- Natural water sources: Check for upstream pollutants such as agricultural runoff, animal activity, or human waste.✓
- Tanks: Investigate potential entry points for contaminants, such as broken covers or pipes.✓
- Survey nearby agricultural, industrial, and domestic activities contributing to contamination.
Protect Water Sources
- Private wells: Ensure proper sealing, raise wellheads above ground, and maintain regular cleaning schedules.
- Tanks: Cover tanks securely, repair damaged infrastructure, and add first-flush systems for rainwater tanks.
- Install chlorination systems, UV treatment, or filtration systems for wells and tanks.
- Treat river water with portable or centralized filtration systems if used.
- Natural sources: Introduce protective measures like buffer zones, fencing, or wetland restoration to filter runoff.
- Provide resources and training for households to install point-of-use treatment methods
Monitoring Program – Education and Community Involvement – Infrastructure Investment
- Implement routine water testing to monitor E. Coli, Total Coliforms, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa levels.
- Create a community-led water quality monitoring team.✓
- Conduct regular workshops on hygiene, sanitation, and water safety.
- Train locals to identify and report potential contamination risks.
- Collaborate with local authorities or NGOs to build community-scale water treatment plants.
- Review progress quarterly to evaluate water quality improvements and refine interventions.
- Document results to inform future projects and share lessons learned with stakeholders.