What is the Process to Build or Improve a community Water System?
1. Community Request
The community water board presents a written request asking for help. We respond to communities which recognize their need for clean water and take initiative to improve health.
2. Community Evaluation
The Life Giving Water International team visits the community to verify the need, obtain basic data, investigate project feasibility, and confirm the willingness of the community to do their part.
3. Topographic Survey & Design
When the community is ready, a topographic survey is done, and the water system is designed. The community covers some of the survey & design costs.
4. Spring Protection
The community obtains legal water rights and elects a Water Board prior to any work. Spring protection work and/or well construction is often done during the design phase to verify the quality and quantity of the water available.
5. Design Approval
The plans and the design report are presented to the community for review. If the community requests government funding, a much more extensive design report and lengthy review process are required.
6. Donated Pipe and Materials
Life Giving Water donors cover the cost of pipe and construction materials. The community agrees to provide manual labor, meals, and pay for Ecuadorian field technicians and supervision.
7. Construction of the Water System
Construction begins when the community mobilizes. Normally, 30 to 60 days of hard manual labor are required to build the water system.
8. Each Home Receives Clean Water
A spigot or house connection with a water meter is installed at each home so that each participating family receives clean water 24/7.
9. Training Workshops
Workshops for community leaders help them in administration, accounting, and operation of the water system so that it can be maintained, properly operated, and operational costs financed long-term.
10. Spiritual Health is Important
We pray that each community experience Life Giving Water, the Holy Spirit, our Lord’s wonderful Presence, as we work together to design and build a water system. Children are invited to participate in a Vacation Bible School event.
11. Each Home Receives Clean Water
Workshops and community discussions on health & hygiene help the community receive the full benefits of clean water to improve health. Each family commits to building its own latrine or toilet.
12. Celebration!
Communities joyfully celebrate their accomplishment and the LORD’s Providence when each home enjoys crystal clear spring water available 24/7.