Project Launch: June 2018

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“There has been a lot of (health) improvement, with the treated water, in the children of the kindergarten and the primary school.”

Danny Gallardo | Kindergarten Teacher

Population Served: 1,000

Systems Used: Chlorine Disinfection, Membrane Filtration

Occopata is a community of about 1,000 people located just outside of the city of Cusco. Located south of the city, the surrounding area has not seen the same tourism income as other regions near the main attractions like Machu Picchu.

We launched this project with Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL) in Cusco. USIL works with two schools in Occopata and was aware of problems with the community’s water source. Tests showed that the water was contaminated with coliform bacteria. 33 Buckets interviewed local leaders and residents to understand the problem and develop a solution to serve the entire community.

The Problem

We launched this project with Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL) in Cusco. USIL works with two schools in Occopata and was aware of problems with the community’s water source. Tests showed that the water was contaminated with coliform bacteria. 33 Buckets interviewed local leaders and residents to understand the problem and develop a solution to serve the entire community.

Our Response

In May 2018, we met with the entire community and reached an agreement to finalize the clean water project. Volunteers from the community helped us repair the existing infrastructure. We installed a chlorination system to disinfect the water supply, and two membrane filters as a second line of defense for the schools.

Today, over 1000 people in the community drink safe water. We thank our partners and donors for making this possible!

 

June 2020 Update

The Problem: Lack of public running water and sanitation resources creates a high likelihood for a devastating COVID-19 outbreak

Our Action: Handwashing stations, sanitation packs, and hygiene education

In response to the increasing cases of COVID-19 in Peru, we connected with our local partner in Cusco, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL).

Together, we designed a plan to fund and deliver essential resources and knowledge to the community of Occopata, Peru which is home to 286 families.

On June 8th, our USIL partners and community members worked together to construct two public, foot-pedaled handwashing stations, which delivered running water and antibacterial soap. In addition, handwashing techniques and best practices for COVID-19 prevention was taught through an educational seminar. Each family received a WASH package containing soap, sanitizer, masks, cleaning solution, and an educational flyer on COVID prevention.

Click for for an in-depth look into our COVID-19 action.

 
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“The (COVID-19) campaign created to prevent this virus was received with joy and much gratitude, as it not only involved the delivery of a preventive kit but also training on how to prevent infectious diseases.”

Alberto Charra | Professor & Volunteer Coordinator at USIL

“The population received it with warmth and satisfaction because it will serve as a means to their good health…this is a start for them to understand the importance of washing their hands, sanitary matters, taking care of personal cleanliness, and hygiene…I congratulate you for your job in this field.”

Dr. Fritz Marquina | Interim Doctor at Occopata Health Post

 

Community Location: -13.59544 S, -71.97606 W

 

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