simajhuleu, guatemala

Engineers Without Borders-USA2009 Midwest Workshop

2Engineers Without Borders - USA

Simajhuleu, Guatemala

• Located 30 miles NW of Guatemala City

• Mayan village of 2500 inhabitants

• Subsistence farming and raising cattle

• Languages: Spanish and Kachiquel

• Partner Organization: Long Way Home

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Assessment 1: January 2008

WORK: WATER SUPPLY ANDDISTRIBUTION INTO THECOMMUNITY

FINDINGS: FRAGILE SPRINGS AND PIPES STRUCTURE

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Assessment 2: July 2009

WORK:DISTRIBUTION WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

FINDINGS: WATER NEEDS AND MAP OF DISTRIBUTION

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Alternatives to Address the Need

Current Sources: Natural Springs

Improving Current System

Repairing Existing Pipeline New Well

Rainwater Harvesting System

Reducing Dependence with

Alternative Sources

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Selection of School

HOW?• Elevated tank can be connected to

our tank• Reduce dependence on main line• Reliable water source

WHY?• Ensure the Supply goes to the most vulnerable

members of the village, the children.

• Example of rain water harvesting system that could be replicated around village

• Large Surface Area will yield appreciable amounts of rainwater. Possibility of expansion.

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Design Considerations

• Rainfall Intensity Study• Water Demand Analysis• Roof Area Calculations• Concrete Design in Seismic

Area• Pipe Flow Calculations

(Gutter and Piping)• Pump Sizing, Electrical

Connection• Geotechnical Analysis• First Flush Design• Chlorination

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Water Tank Construction

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Gutter Installation

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Piping Installation

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Pump Installation

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First Flush & Chlorination System

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New Building Foundation

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Looking Into The Future

Barriers and Opportunities

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Topographic and Transportation Obstacles

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Language/Understanding

Volumen del Agua a Tanque

 Jan-

08 Jul-08Total Flow

(gpm) 39.6 46.4Volumen

(gpd)5702

4 66816

Poblaccion 3000 3000Agua/

persona19.0

08 22.272

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Unforeseen Conditions

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Political Connections

Community Involvement

Water Distribution System SurveyJanuary 2008

Rain Gutter Installation

August 2009

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Questions?

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Thank you

• Goldman Grant• Institute of the Environment• The Bather Family• Ruth V Jones• Kim Dockter• Personal Contributions from Students and Mentors

Nate Fleischhackernatefleis@gmail.com

Mark Luckhardtluck0084@umn.edu

Derrick Passepasse027@umn.edu

Presenters