Water for Life: The Challenge

The village of Apatut in the Philippines, and the surrounding area, is in need of a new potable water supply. Most residents currently obtain water directly from shallow wells within the village, however, water quality analysis show many of these wells to be contaminated. The poor water quality is believed to be the cause of numerous illnesses within the 750-resident community. EWB-MAP will design and assist in the construction of a new water supply system, deemed the Water for Life project, for the Apatut community.


Water for Life: The Solution

EWB-MAP has partnered with local Filipino Rotary Clubs to develop a sustainable solution to the community’s water problem. The proposed potable water supply system will include the following components:

  • A new deep well to serve as the primary water source;
  • A submersible pump to transport groundwater from the well to a proposed storage tank;
  • A new electric power drop to power the supply pump and electric controls;
  • A storage tank sized for a one day supply of water and located at an elevation adequate to provide a gravity-fed water supply;
  • Sloped distribution piping from the tank to the community;
  • Three centrally-located community faucets and one faucet at the elementary school (Phase I) and spigots at each home (Phase II);
  • Water treatment, as necessary based on the results of water quality analysis of the new supply well; and,
  • A shed to house water treatment equipment and supplies.

Water for Life: Project Timeline

In March of 2010, four EWB-MAP members traveled to Apatut for a site assessment. The team identified locations for the deep well and storage tank, made contacts with local suppliers for building materials, established a working relationship with the community, collected water quality samples, and conducted a health survey.

EWB-MAP intends to return to Apatut in the Fall of 2011 to oversee the installation of the supply well and to complete required well testing. Installation of the power supply and construction of the tank, pipeline, and tapstands is tentatively scheduled for early 2012. After construction, EWB-MAP will continue to communicate with Apatut to ensure the sustainability and maintenance of the system.