water distribution in nicaragua

7

About the project

Goal: Working with a community in Los Gomez, Nicaragua to build a reliable, sustainable, and accessible source of water.

Timeline:

  • 2012 – Pedestrian Bridge
    • Ochomogo, Nicaragua
  • 2014 – Water Project Started
    • Los Gomez, Nicaragua
  • 2017 – Drilled 250 ft water well
    • Los Gomez, Nicaragua
  • 2020 – Completed pipeline designs, start of remote implementation

  • 2021 – Completed remote implementation of water distribution system and pump. 
the location: Ochomogo, near los gomez, nicaragua

The community of Ochomogo is located in rural Nicaragua near the west coast, close to Los Gomez. It is located in the Carazo region and has a population of around 240 people, split between 66 homes. This community is primarily made up of farmers and ranchers that rely on the cycle of wet and dry seasons in the region to grow their crops. The people of Los Gomez spend a lot of free time playing baseball and enjoying family meals. The town has electrical infrastructure, but is susceptible to outages, especially in the wet seasons. 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. They have continued work since then.

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 Los Gomez
  • Potentially inspire future projects to support local communities like 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 2021, we saw to the remote implementation of the water distribution system, which was carried out by the engineer we hired, Santiago. In October 2021, the last piece of implementation was completed when a pump contracting team came into Los Gomez and downsized the pump that had been previously installed in the community. With the new pump, the community members were finally able to have flowing water at their tap stands! Our team is currently working on finishing the post implementation report to send to the EWB Headquarters. We are also working on a new partnership with the EWB Denver Professional chapter, and plan to start a new project with them in the spring!

looking forward

Our team is beyond excited to finally see all the hard work that we have put in over the last 10 years come to fruition. As we wrap up this project, we are looking forward to starting a new project in the Spring of 2022. We hope that our new members have been inspired by the great success of the Los Gomez water project, and we look to them to keep carrying our team’s torch for the next project to come. 

WATER PROJECT LEADS

LAUREN ELLENS

Lauren is a junior studying civil engineering with minors in Public Affairs and Community Development. She has been an active member of the Water Team since fall 2021, working on both the Socavón and Los Gomez projects. Since becoming project lead in May 2022, Lauren has focused on improving recruitment, coordinating with EWB staff, increasing fundraising, and overseeing the day-to-day of the Socavon project.

lellens@mines.edu

JIMENA GARCIAPRIETO

Jimena is from San Diego, California and a sophomore studying Geophysical engineering. This is her second 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