There have been significant improvements in the 7 rural water systems, due to a thorough assessment of them, initially by Sister City volunteers and later in greater depth by ECODES and CISTA civil engineers and water system management and water quality experts, and subsequently, according to the assessment findings, purchasing and installing new equipment for each water system and chlorinating the water supply. Throughout the initiative, extensive training in water system management and clean water has been provided to the community committees of potable water and sanitation at each site.
Two water systems now even have solar panels to cut dependence on electricity and reduce cost to users. We still have much more work ahead, including continuing to support the local water and sanitation committees and to install solar panels in other sites. Goal 6 of the 2030 worldwide UN Sustainable Development Goals is Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. We will continue to work with our partners in Nicaragua to ensure accessible, clean water for all households in Quezalguaque.