The EWB-Atlanta Response
Assessment
EWB-Atlanta coordinated with HERO and the community of Los Palis, to complete an on-site water quality and quantity assessment in September 2008. It was discovered that there are currently 2 hand-pumped water wells in the village. Field-testing of the well water revealed that both wells are contaminated with coliform, essentially rendering them non-potable. 
Additionally, there is a spring-fed cistern that feeds water to 8 public fountains throughout the community. The problem is that neither the wells nor the cistern have the capacity to supply the entire community with safe water, especially during the dry season. Additionally, the system is 25 years old and in dire need of repair. Only 4 of the community fountains are functional, and the water supply piping is cracked and leaking in many locations.
Solution A model of the expansion has been completed. The expansion includes the installation of a water well in the school yard for increased water production and so that more children may attend school. The well will utilize solar-powered pump(s) to pump the disinfected water to the existing cistern, which will then gravity feed the water to the fountains. Existing pipes will be repaired.
Moving Forward
August of 2009
A followup assessment trip was completed. The purpose of the trip was to verify the production rate of the newly installed well, take water quality samples, and survey the existing and proposed system layout. A memorandum of understanding was also proposed to the community. Finally, EWB-Atlanta met with USAID in order to discuss partnerships and appropriate community education standards. Community members are eager and willing to provide the necessary construction labor.
April 2011
The implementation team returned to repair the primary distribution pipe connecting the cistern to the spring. Self-closing taps were also installed. As a result, the capacity was increased significantly, yielding an increased supply of water to the community. A number of damaged distribution pipes throughout the community were also replaced. During construction, a second spring was discovered closer to the village. This source is now being evaluated as a possible augmentation to the existing water supply and newly installed well.