Xepium, Guatemala

The village of Xepiun has a gravity-flow water system that was implemented by Agua Para La Salud in 1998. Upon EWB-JAX’s arrival, the system consisted of a spring box, a break-pressure tank, a distribution tank, and a household connection for every family. Additionally, a community washing station was installed. An unused hand washing station also currently exists at the school. There are 210 children and 7 teachers that attend the school Escuela Oficial Rural Mixta Xepiun. Before the project, the students and teachers used the flush toilets at the nearby Mayor’s office where the grey water was untreated and disposed of in a valley where cattle freely graze. The implemented project improved the conditions of the school by building five latrines. The optional 2400 liter (L) storage tank on top of the latrines was not installed. A new hand washing station with a 2100 L storage tank and septic system (including a septic tank and attached drainage field) were installed.