Monday September 28th, 4pm, Mann Hall 323
Abstract: Through the collaboration with an NGO called Save the Children, EWB-NCSU was able to plan and implement a water collection project in Asanquiri, Bolivia between July 27 and August 13, 2009. EWB-NCSU was informed by Save the Children that the community's water supply does not meet the demand and that water quality improvements are needed because of the prevalence of waterborne diseases in Asanquiri. Using the data that was collected during the assessment trip to Bolivia two years prior to the implementation trip, biosand filtration and rainwater harvesting were the methods that were chosen for the implementation. After arriving in Bolivia and speaking to the director of the capacitation center, the implementation team decided that the primary focus should be on water collection and storage rather than water treatment. The team proceeded with implementing a rainwater harvesting system on one of the roofs of the capacitation center along with at 5000L fiberglass tank for water storage. Experience from the trip has shown EWB-NCSU that focusing on the needs of the community is much more valuable to the local people than implementing a project that the EWB team has spent years planning. Future projects that will benefit the community include connecting water from a spring on a nearby mountain to the community, and teaching the students of the capacitation center about practical irrigation methods.