Peru

Living Water works directly with the community to provide safe water through different water solutions, such as water wells. Partnering with the community from the beginning, empowers leaders and helps create an enabling environment that will better ensure the sustainability of the well. Living Water believes that it is more likely for the water system to continue benefiting over time if certain key steps are taken before starting each water project. Once communities have been mobilized and the stakeholders have agreed upon the water point location and type of system, the community is prepared for the water point implementation. Volunteer teams from Living Water Trips as well as our Living Water staff work side by side with the community members to construct the water point. Together, they spend 4-5 days learning firsthand the impact that safe water can have on a community and understanding the benefits of improved hygiene and sanitation practices. Post construction of all water points involve the confirmation of safe water through water testing for E. coli, nitrates/nitrites, pH, hardness, total dissolved solids, and turbidity. Other parameters may be tested if hydrogeological data, local law, or historical knowledge demonstrate a cause for concern.    In addition to working closely with the community prior to and during construction, the program recognizes the importance of creating and/or strengthening water committees at the local level to lay foundations for long-term success. For this reason, water committees are established and/or trained in every community to help ensure that ongoing services are available. Community leaders are trained in water point management and care, chlorination methods, tariff collection and basic pump repair. This is all accomplished in coordination with the local government and partners.