Tzaput, Guatemala

THE Community

Sector Tzaput is a rural community of 120 people within the Municipality of Sololá, Guatemala. Most of its locals belong to the Kaqchiquel Group and speak the language with the same name. Their primary source of income is agricultural produce such as corn, beans, potatoes, and carrots.

THE NEED

In 1997, Tzaput’s water distribution system was built with help from the local government and it worked on a diesel pump. They also built a pump house and a 50 cubic meters concrete water tank. The diesel engine driven water pump stopped working in 2013 and they were not able to fix it. Since then, the village had been piping water from a neighboring community. Even so, access to water for approximately 800 residents remained limited, with service available for only 4–5 hours every 3–4 days. The community requested a self-sustaining water supply using its own ground spring source, supported by a new electric pump and an updated distribution system.

OUR INVOLVEMENT

The project team returned from an assessment trip in April 2019, to determine if EWB-CPC can help the community secure a reliable supply of clean drinking water. After the preliminary assessment, we have officially kicked off this effort!

The Project has two phases; Phase 1 is installation of an electric powered pump and pump house improvements and Phase 2 is a water distribution system to bring water to homes. The Project Team has completed the Phase 1 design and in concert with EWB-Guatemala and the Tzaput community Phase 1 construction is nearing completion. 

the results

Following the assessment with local leaders, the village was evaluated for a stable water supply and distribution network. The Phase 2 design was completed and preparations were made for implementation and travel to support construction. The project includes building a utility-powered pumping station and installing new water taps in needed areas. The water distribution system construction has been completed.