ECUADOR Coast & The Galapagos

Ecuador straddles the equator on South America’s Pacific west coast. With over 17.5 million, 25% live on less than $3.20 a day. Its diverse landscape and cultures encompass the Amazon rainforest, Andean highlands, the Coastal region, and The Galápagos Islands.

An estimated 15% of Ecuador’s rural population relies on surface water that may be contaminated with pathogens and bacteria. Reaching some of these isolated communities makes it difficult and costly to implement safe water and hygiene practices. The purchase of bottled water is an economic burden for families and produces plastic waste.

The Waterbearers team traveled 1000 miles across Ecuador to reach the seven communities identified for this project. Our objective was to provide clean water solutions and empower women to learn best practices regarding safe water and healthier habits. The team trained more than 300 families in the efficient and safe use of its water resources. It gave one hundred and five filters to eleven communities in Esmeraldas, Manabí, and Napo. In addition, representatives of the Al Invest 5.0 Project and The Waterbearers conducted training focused on the importance of caring for and consuming clean water, protecting the environment, curtailing the excessive use of plastics, and reducing pollution for a healthy life.

Assessing that children in the communities were especially vulnerable due to lack of water purification systems in educational and childcare facilities, we installed water filters in 14 schools, nurseries, and health centers, benefiting 675 children between the ages of 2 and 12. The Quito Chamber of Commerce oversaw the project with sponsorship from Pacari, Agroapoyo, and the Wiñak Association, which developed their cacao and banana supply chain from producers in these locations.

We picture The Galapagos Islands of Ecuador as a magical paradise home to pristine beaches and fascinating flora and fauna. Santa Cruz is the largest populated island with 18000 residents, many of whom live in the dry rural highlands with limited access to clean water. Indeed, finding a sustainable water supply has been problematic since the early settlers arrived on the Islands. Except for one short rainy season, very little rain falls, and even then, it’s irregular, and drought conditions prevail. During the rainy season, rainwater flows from rusty rooftops into concrete tanks, but it is not potable. As an alternative, residents can purchase 5-gallon bottles of water for $11 with $2 refills, often cost-prohibitive for the highlanders. And even this can be unsafe if the containers are not sanitized. Our filter system offers a convenient solution, at least until a more permanent one is identified.

In October 2016, The Waterbearers teamed up with Waves For Water to conduct a water assessment and filter demonstration in the small community of Guayabillo, home to twenty or so families. We provided filters for the two local schools so the children could have access to clean water during the day and bring some home to their families. In a follow-up visit to the schools, we learned that the teachers are accustomed to providing filtered water to the children, who are now in the healthy habit of drinking more water. Everyone agrees that the school water filter program is a success!