Water Security & Sanitation
Although clean water is readily available for many individuals through basic infrastructure, millions of Guatemalans face significant challenges in obtaining safe drinking water. In highland villages, these difficulties are heightened by prolonged dry seasons and rugged terrain. During these periods, families may travel for up to two hours to collect sufficient water for three to four days. Additionally, some communities depend on rainwater runoff gathered in open catchment systems during the wet season.
Hands for Peacemaking Foundations water catchment projects, while it does not solve all the water security issues for a family, makes and impact.
A sealed 2,500-liter tank collects rain run-off during the rainy season. This water can be drawn upon during the dry season to lessen the mount of trips to water sources. The amount of water, if conserved, can allow families enough water through most of the dry months. As part of the projects in the villages, Hands for Peacemaking identifies areas that multiple tanks can be installed for a community water source.
As part of our water catchment and stove initiative, we provide families with water filters to ensure safe drinking water and minimize the necessity for additional wood burning for boiling purposes. Hands for Peacemaking also constructs latrines and Pilas and educates communities on proper hand washing techniques and hygiene practices.
