Eliminating Diseases With Safe Water
May 13, 2014
These children used to rely on unsafe water from the community's piped water system.
In El Progreso, Mexico, community members got their water from a piped system, but the water was far from safe. The water was contaminated at its source, bringing disease to the community. “It causes diarrhea, headaches, and typhoid,” one community member explained. When Water Missions International approached the community about a potential safe water solution, community members were ready to admit they had a problem. “Well, my wife boils water for drinking,” farmer Martin told our staff, “but we are still getting sick very often. Last month my three children got sick with diarrhea and vomiting. I think we need a solution to this. My neighbors feel the same way.”
Martin’s neighbor, Nicolas, did indeed feel the same. “My baby child got salmonella last year,” he explained. “We sold some things to get him into the hospital. We don’t want to live this way anymore,” Nicholas insisted.
Mexico staff member Johnny teaches the community of El Progreso about waterborne disease.
Water Missions International designed a customized safe water solution to turn the community’s contaminated water into safe water. As the community had requested, Water Missions International installed a Living Water™ Treatment System to meet the daily needs of nearly 2,000 people who lacked safe water access.
Since safe water began flowing through El Progreso, with each passing month more members of the community have switched to only drinking the safe water. Now, they say they are happy since they rarely get sick. Instead of spending money on costly hospital bills, they save their money for other expenses.
Safe water access has the potential to eliminate diseases like those that used to be common in El Progreso, Mexico. Communities like this should not have to settle for an improved water source, which is why Water Missions International is honored to partner with these communities to bring safe water access to those in need.
Related Impact Stories
