Clean water for Catorce de Septiembre

A water system for a community in Mexico

Rusty pipes, contamination and water shortages were a harsh reality for the small farming community of Catorce de Septiembre in Mexico. The CBN aid organization Operation Blessing worked together with the residents to treat and restore their old communal water system so that it could be returned to use. It was inaugurated at the beginning of 2024, giving everyone access to clean water.

Before, access to clean drinking water was a daily struggle. The locals had to fetch water from a well 20 minutes away, a nearby spring or an old water tank. However, the spring water was pumped into this tank through leaky, rusty pipes.

The water problem worsened during the summer drought. The Pérez Hernández family, for example, went to the well three times a week, which was particularly dangerous for the children as the dirty water caused illness.

A modernized water system

Thanks to your generous donations, the community’s water system has been restored. This modernized system includes a new water pipe, valves, a chlorinator that treats and purifies the water, and filters to remove impurities. This makes the water drinkable. In addition, 36 water tanks with taps were installed at the houses to ensure sufficient distribution of clean water to all 34 households as well as to the local church and school.

The residents were shown how to maintain the water system by Operation Blessing staff and received hygiene training. Thanks to the clean water and the educational work, the collective health status of the community has improved significantly. Now the small farming families can invest more time in their agriculture and thus secure their food supply.

The new water tank is a great relief for the Pérez Hernández family. Joaquín, the father of the family, said: “Our way of life has already changed and it will change even more now that we are taking care of the water.” He is pleased that the water reservoirs mean they no longer have to worry about running out of clean water in the dry season.

Thank you for giving the 126 people in Catorce de Septiembre access to clean water. In doing so, you have made a lasting contribution to improving the health, economic productivity and water security of this community.

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