Valle Valerio, Nicaragua
Water Distribution Project
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The village of Valle Valerio in Nicaragua has an outdated water system that no longer sustains the community. The current pump is past its expected lifespan, the water quality can be improved, and the current distribution system is not designed to provide water to the whole community. The current system also lacks a method to track water usage and the drinking water has traces of E. Coli that should be removed. Lastly, the existing tank is on disputed land.
OBJECTIVES
The University of Houston chapter aims to improve the quality of life of the Valle Valerio community by improving the current infrastructure so that every member in the community has access to clean drinking water.
In order to achieve this goal the possible solutions we have considered are:
- Replacing the existing water tank
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- The original tank was on disputed land, so Sofonic (Nicaraguan non-profit that builds water tanks in Nicaragua)
- donated a new tank to the project under the condition construction begins by March 2023
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Extending the system:
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- Extending the distribution system as a gravity fed pipeline.
- Extending the distribution and pumping the water to the extended portion.
- Leaving the pipeline as is.
- Improving the chlorination system.
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Ensuring the water quality is up to WHO standards
APPROXIMATE BUDGET
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Activity | Estimated Cost | Actual Cost |
CO Supplemental Data Gathering Trip (10.2022) | $4,000.00 | $1,400 |
EWB UH Chapter Trip (1.2023) | $8,000.00 | |
Phase I – New Tank & Pipeline Remote Implementation (2.2023) | $14,000.00 | |
Phase II – Distribution Pipe (8.2024) and Bridge (8.2025) | $34,000.00 | |
Monitoring and Evaluation (8.2026) | $9,500 | |
Total Project Cost | $69,500.00 |
Proposed partners | CBO – AVODEC
NGO – CAPS
In country EWB office Professional Houston Chapter NGO- AVODEC |
Contact Person | projects.ewb.uh@gmail.com Project Lead – Lupita Herrera – +1 (979) 429-4194 |
Project Design Process
Assessment Pre-Trip Plan Spring 2021
Identify the scope of the project
Identify partners involved in this project
Analyze project feasibility
Identify existing data and required data needed to complete the project
Identify Indicators and beneficiary analysis terms to measure success of the project
Data Analysis and Scope Development (Assessment Post-Trip Report)
Fall 2022
Analyze pre-assessment trip results and data collected.
Identify data required to complete the project
Re-evaluate project feasibility
Re-evaluate Indicators and beneficiary analysis terms to measure success of the project
Alternative Analysis Fall 2022
Identify design criteria
Draft, description, sketch, cost estimate, maintenance plan, materials lists, local staff list, and phases of at least 3 alternatives
Implementation Plan
Select best of proposed alternative solutions
Draft design description of existing infrastructure and proposed facilities
Identify design methodology and list of standards and codes used
Form a list of calculations and material specifications
Draft construction budget
Draft Construction Safety Plan
Facilitate all on-site construction
Procurement of construction materials
Draft description of construction activities
Analyze material testing results and system performance data
Identify changes to operation and maintenance plan
Analyze indicators and beneficiary analysis results.
Monitoring & Evaluation Pre-Trip
Draft a summary of completed structures
Identify a list of proposed repairs and the reasoning for repair
Summarize data collected
Monitoring & Evaluation Post-Trip
Analyze results of data collection
Evaluate success of project based on indicators, beneficiary analysis and project impact
Project Completion
Organize, plan and record matters related to project management and construction communications
Every Drop Counts
Currently, EWB-UH is working with Valerio, another small community in Nicaragua, on a project to redesign and improve their wells, water pumps, storage capacity, and distribution system. We have established community contacts, specific community needs, and community demographics. The next phase of the project is to conduct an assessment trip to the community itself to gather survey data, logistics research, design input, and objective clarification, as well as providing the opportunity to build community relationships. Once the data is gathered, we will begin working to design a water distribution system that will meet all of the community’s needs.

Conclusion
All together, this project has the potential to provide approximately 900 people with constant access to clean water using a simple and sustainable system.By completing this project, much needed water will be distributed to a total of 900 community members right To their doorstep. The families of the community will be able to use this water to drink, wash their hands, and bathe just as we all are able to. The need of this water distribution project has been a top concern of the community. However, the community lacks the resources and technical skills to tackle their problem. That is where the University of Houston Chapter comes in. Working alongside the community, the University of Houston Chapter strives to make this dream, a reality.
Project Impact
- A total of about 900 people
with reliable access to water - Safer water to drink
- Healthier Community
- Better quality of life
- Community equipped with
skills to manage system