We addressed the challenge of unsafe and unreliable drinking water in the rural community of San Isidro de Puñín, Ecuador. The existing system, constructed approximately 40 years ago, suffered from two critical problems: sediment accumulation in the spring chamber requiring frequent cleaning, and inconsistent water disinfection leading to unreliable access to potable water.
Our objective was to design improvements to the spring catchment, reduce sediment buildup, and upgrade the chlorination and storage tank systems in accordance with Ecuadorian water standards. We based our designs on data from previous site visits and input from Ecuadorian partners, as we could not conduct new site assessments prior to Fall 2026. Where information was unavailable, we made engineering assumptions that future teams will refine with updated field data.
We developed construction drawings for a new French trench catchment, an improved spring chamber, and storage tank upgrades. We performed comprehensive hydraulic calculations including flow estimation, pipe sizing, and chlorine demand analysis. Using these calculations, we designed a gravity-fed chlorination system that operates without electricity and minimizes overflow.
Our deliverables included complete construction documents and a cost estimate of $6,765 for system implementation. Despite site access limitations, we successfully created practical engineering solutions that provide future Engineers Without Borders teams with actionable designs to improve access to clean, reliable drinking water for the San Isidro de Puñín community.