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MOCHE, Inc. |
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Mobilizing Opportunity Through Community Heritage Empowerment |
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Initial research and design of the water system was made possible by students and advisors from Engineers Without Borders (EWB). After pursuing a variety of options, it was decided that best long-term solution for potable water was to tap an area of slow, spring water seepage about 3 km up the valley. MOCHE worked for 8 weeks with 22 student volunteers and 80 community members at a cost of about $40,000 to construct the system. |
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Project director Katherine Burns consults with engineer Martin Castillo and foreman Andres Guzman |
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The 4 Main Construction Elements of the Cuidad de Dios Water System:
1. Trench and lay the complicated network of pipes in town
2. Trench and lay the main supply pipe for 3 km along cultivated fields and rocky cliffs
3. Construct a water collection and retention unit or Spring Box
4. Assist in the establishment of a town water committee to maintain the system for generations to come
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1. The System in Ciudad de Dios |
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The water distribution system was designed to provide all households in town with equal access to the new resource.
The gravity fed network of pipes were buried in trenches below the earthen streets of the town. In front of each home was installed a “T” with a reduction to 1/2” pipe. This intersection was left exposed and capped to allow the resident to decide how the water would be integrated into the home.
Residents are responsible for their own connections– supplies can be purchased at cost from the town Water Commmittee. |
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EWB friend Mike stops by our project to lend a hand. |
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Volunteers learn the hard way that moving big stones is much harder without heavy machinery! |
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The main supply pipe was constructed of high-grade, thick-walled, 3” PVC tubing certified for potable water. These were produced by and purchased from a local Peruvian manufacturer.
Water pressure was achieved by utilizing gravity alone. Levels were determined and maintained by a method of measuring water in a clear 10 meter tube. This simple technique proved to be far more effective than modern tools and we were able to correct several critical issues in the initial design.
The path itself was riddled with challenges– from arranging contracts with landowners to scaling dangerous cliffs. But, in the end it was the determination and hard labor of everyone working together that made this project possible. |
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Hauling pipe is not without
its charm... |
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Duke Engage Participants prepare pipes for installation |
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3. The Caja de Captacion or Spring Box |
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The Spring Box collects groundwater and creates water pressure using gravity alone.
Here’s how to build one: |
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Stage 1: Dig the hole
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| Stage 2: Haul supplies of sand and gravel over a 1/2 km of rural trails not fit for a donkey! |
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Stage 3: Build a wood and re-bar frame
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| Stage 4: Assemble the cement box while keeping the water out with a gas powered bilge pump (note the tube in the picture) |
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Stage 5: Lay perforated pipes so that the natural spring water seepage fills the box |
Stage 6: Connect the main supply line, open the cutoff valves and get ready to celebrate |
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A large part of building a sustainable system is providing the education and direction to keep it maintained. In 2008, MOCHE helped establish a town water committee composed of elected officials whose job it is to manage the water on behalf of the residents of Cuidad de Dios.
In the summer of 2009, 2 students from EWB will be working exclusively with the water committee to maneuver the legal, managerial and logistical issues associated with such a new and challenging venture. |
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