Guatemala Water Crisis
According to researchers, testing of river water samples show the existence of bacteriological contamination, especially for communities that live on the banks of the tributaries.
Where The Contamination Comes From
“The main sources of contamination are found in places with a larger population, since the drains of the houses flow into the rivers and the water is also used to wash clothes,” explained Claudia Cordero, from the Insivumeh ‘s Hydrochemistry Unit. “The rivers are bacteriologically contaminated and there are no treatment plants in the municipalities where rivers cross.”
It is not hard to see why 3 million people lack public water and hat only 15% of the water distributed in the country is potable. The fact 6 million people lack sanitation services does not help. 80% of illnesses are linked to poor water and sanitation conditions.
Worldwide:
- 10% of global diseases can be reduced with improved water supply, sanitation and hygiene
- 80% of illnesses are linked to poor water and sanitation conditions
- 1,800 child deaths EVERY DAY are linked to water, sanitation and hygiene
- 842,000 diarrhea disease deaths, per year, result from unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene
- 443 million school days are lost each year due to water related diseases
- 783 million people do not have access to clean and safe water worldwide
What We Do To Help
We provide water filters that are surprisingly simple but amazingly efficient. They use the same technology as dialysis machines, and each filter is good for eight to ten years depending on the turbidity of the water source. The Village Water Filter bucket filter utilizes a .1 micron hollow fiber membrane filter. The filter element itself is manufactured by NOK of Japan. Our bucket filter removes all bacteria and protozoa to meet or exceed EPA standards. Our filters do not remove dissolved solids, including chemicals and heavy metals. The Bucket Filter flow rate is approximately 1 gallon per five minutes.
Proper water filtration easily prevents the spread of water-borne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, hepatitis, malaria, polio, intestinal worms, and typhoid. The problem with most filtration systems is that they require regular replacement of filters that are too expensive for most families. Our filters can be easily shipped anywhere in Guatemala and training is provided. To date we have provided over 350 water filters to different villages in Guatemala.
8 Year Hollow Fiber Membrane Water Filter
Tests conducted by BCS Laboratories in Gainesville, FL on three different filters of the type of Village Water Filter that we use showed:
That the average percent reduction of bacteria was >99.999%
That the average percent reduction of amoebas was >99.999%
All analyses were performed in accordance with laboratory practices and procedures set-forth by our NELAP/TNI accreditation standards (ISO 17025).
Source: Biological Consulting Services of North Florida, Inc.
Dated: June 29, 2015
Visit Village Water Filters.org for more information.
Our Impact To Date
Water Filters Distributed
Family Members Served
APRIL 1 , 2021 – 22 FILTERS FOR GAULAN
For many years we have suppported the people of Gualan through the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection and their pastor. We recently provided the funds for 22 water filters that were disributed to the needy members and non-members alike.
FILTERS FOR THE ALDEA CHIXOLIS
