Chapman University Water Brigade June 2015 Honduras

Start Date: Jun 2, 2015 12:00 AM
End Date: Jun 8, 2015 12:00 AM

Water Brigades mission is to empower communities to access sufficient, clean water through infrastructural development, water treatment, community leader training, and education. Water Brigades Volunteers assist in implementing clean water systems to prevent water related illnesses in communities with limited access to clean water. One of the fundamental roadblocks to community development is lack of clean water. Drinking contaminated water is a catalyst in the vicious cycle of chronic illness, which is compounded by poor infrastructure and limited access to medical care for large rural populations. Therefore, constant exposure to parasite and bacteria laden water hinders the quality of life and productivity of rural populations. With a sufficient quantity of properly treated water, community members can cut off the connection between water and illness and ultimately live healthier, more productive lives.

The Water Brigades in-country team works with community leaders to design sustainable water infrastructure for the entire community, making sure that with the right education and training, the local communities are able to operate and maintain their new water systems. Once planning and design are complete, volunteers work side-by-side with community members as well as with our Honduran project technicians in all aspects of the water system's construction, while learning about its design, how it works, and its long-term sustainability. No experience necessary!


To ensure the sustainability of the community's water system and to improve sanitation and hygiene practices, Water Brigades and its volunteers provide education and training so that the community can properly administer, operate, and maintain their water system. A Water Council and a Basic Sanitation Committee are established and trained to manage the community's water situation in the future. In collaboration with Public Health Brigades, Microfinance Brigades, and the Community Development team, Water Brigades is working to identify communities with the most need. With a holistic approach to development, we plan to continue working with communities to improve their health and standard of living through the most fundamental resource on the planet - water.