EWB-Detroit’s Involvement: In the summer of 2006, the community of Las Glorias contacted Nathan Haugen of the Peace Corps asking for help in obtaining a water distribution system. During the month of July Nathan performed a topographic study of the surrounding area as well as a water usage assessment. Using that data he determined that a mountain spring located 1.7 miles (2.8 km) away would provide a sufficient amount of water to meet the community’s everyday needs. He also came up with the preliminary design for the water distribution system.

In March of 2007, EWB-Detroit contacted Nathan in search of a project. Different projects were considered and several factors were taken into consideration before making the final decision. These factors included, but were not limited to, need, cost and community involvement. In the end it was determined that the project in Las Glorias was the most feasible for EWB-Detroit to undertake. with the community that spelled out what role both EWB-Detroit and the village will play when building and maintaining the system.

In November of 2007, a team of three EWB-Detroit members traveled to Honduras for an assessment trip. While there they performed water quality studies, a community survey to get a baseline health assessment, and met with the village water board. They also signed an agreement with the community that spelled out what role both EWB-Detroit and the village will play when building and maintaining the system.

Moving Forward: EWB-Detroit is currently reviewing the information brought back by the assessment team. That date will be used to determine the most feasible, economic and sustainable way to bring clean drinking water to the village. We hope to start the first phase of construction by April, 2008. The project is estimated to cost $25,000 with the breakdown as follows:

Materials $20,750

-Spring Box: $1,200

-Coduction Line: $10,400

-Storage Tank: $3,400

-Distribution Line: $3,700

-Latrines: $550

-Tools/Miscellaneous: $1,500

Labor $1,300

Travel Expenses $2,500

Estimated Total Project Cost: $25,000

Current Project: Watermain System in Las Glorias, Honduras

Population: 7,483,763 (CIA World Facts Book)

Historical Note: Once part of Spain's vast empire in the New World, Honduras became an independent nation in 1821. After two and a half decades of mostly military rule, a freely elected civilian government came to power in 1982.

Economy: Honduras is the poorest country in Central America and the second poorest in the western hemisphere. According to the UN, 64% of Honduran families live under conditions of poverty and 45% under extreme poverty. The average income is $925/US per year. The community of Las Glorias is located in a mountainous region near the center of Honduras in the municipality of Siguatepeque. Las Glorias has a population of around 80 people but this is expected to grow to 126 people within the next 20 years.

The Need: The inhabitants of the small village of Las Glorias, Honduras are in need of a water distribution system. Currently the village obtains their water from open streams or seasonal pools. The open streams lie in an area that is commonly used as agricultural land and is therefore susceptible to contamination by fertilizers and other chemicals associated with farming. The seasonal pools are not protected and are therefore also susceptible to outside contamination and they do not always last through the dry season.

Projects