About the project
Goal: Work closely with the community of El Socavón to develop and implement infrastructure aimed at providing access to clean and safe water.
Timeline:
- 2022 – Adopted the Project
- 2023 – Assessment Trip
- 2024 – Planning for Implementation
- 2025 – Project Construction in Collaboration with Community Members
the location: El Socavón, nicaragua
- Most of the people in the community are farmers that grow coffee.
- None of the 200 inhabitants have access to safe water.
- Most people get their water for cleaning, bathing, and drinking from different sources, primarily the concrete canals built in the 80s and contaminated springs.
The community of El Socavón is located in the rural north-central region of Nicaragua.
They are heavily dependent on unreliable, shallow wells, or unsafe surface water, and they predominately use pit latrines. To address this concern, MWB is working with the community to build a well and water distribution system.
History
In 2012, MWB started working with the community of Ochomogo, Nicaragua, and discussions with the community at that time started a project to build a footbridge to cross a river during the wet season. MWB continued work with Los Gomez in March 2014 with the proposed water distribution system. Nearly 83% of Los Gomez residents lack both accessible and clean water, and the dry season only exaggerates the existing poor water conditions. In March 2016, MWB traveled to the community to determine the most beneficial development project. An overwhelming majority of the community agreed to build a clean, accessible and sustainable source of water, prompting the Los Gomez Water Project. This project prompted the MWB team to propose a similar water distribution system in El Socavón in 2022.
Goals
- Design and build a water distribution system that provides the community with a clean, reliable, and accessible source of water
- Create and continue a strong, lasting relationship with El Socavón and Los Gomez
- Potentially inspire future projects to support local communities like El Socavón and Los Gomez
Skills Gained / Broader Takeaways
- Technical skills in pipeline operation and water supply
- Learning new Spanish skills and overcoming communication barriers
- Experience in raising funds and increasing member involvement
- Problem-solving and innovation skills
- Leaning how to work efficiently as a team
- Adapting to new working conditions in a different culture and language
- Cultural diversity and enrichment
What we’re currently doing
In Spring of 2022, the MWB team adopted the water distribution system in El Socavón. In March 2023, the team collaborated with the community in-person through water resource assessments. The team returned to Mines campus and analyzed water sample test results and community survey polls about concerns. In 2023, multiple system alternatives were created for the community and EWB office in Nicaragua to vote on. In 2024, hydrogeologic surveys for a well, land permitting for a tank and pump, and energy assessments to power the system have been an integral part of the team. Currently, we are planning for the March 2025 implementation trip and finalizing all site plans working closely with the community.
looking forward
As we move into 2025, we hope to fulfill the goal of implementation in March. The Water Team will continue to collaborate with the community to implement the optimal solution based on engineering decisions with the EWB Denver Office and the support of local organizations and community members. We hope that the hard work we have put in thus far can come to fruition during a remote implementation and we hope to finish the project by October 2025!
WATER PROJECT LEADS
ELAINE WILES
Elaine is a sophomore studying Civil Engineering at Colorado School of Mines. This is her second year with MWB, where she serves as a project co-lead on the water team. In this role, she helps subcommittees stay on track, meet deadlines, and achieve their goals.
ewiles@mines.edu
JIMENA GARCIAPRIETO
Jimena is from San Diego, California and a junior studying Geophysical engineering. This is her third year on the MWB Water Project Team. As project lead, she ensures that Water Team stays on track with the project timeline. Her contributions extend to recruitment and organizing social events, improving team bonding.
jgarciaprieto@mines.edu