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AGUA UKSHA

PROJECT A project to renovate and expand the water system providing water to the

community of Yurak Uksha, Salinas de Guaranda – Ecuador, through the

cooperation between local population, local institutions, and international

organizations and professionals.

ROTARY CLUB NEW HAMPSHIRE

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AGUA UKSHA PROJECT 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3

3 Yurak Uksha Status Quo Report ......................................................................................................................................... 4

3.1 Population ................................................................................................................................................................ 4

3.2 Economy ................................................................................................................................................................... 5

3.3 Health ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5

3.4 Climate ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6

3.5 Water, Sanitation & Hygiene .................................................................................................................................... 6

3.6 Map of the Area ....................................................................................................................................................... 9

4 Project Execution ............................................................................................................................................................. 10

4.1 Costs Estimation - Detail ........................................................................................................................................ 10

4.1.1 Geographic Survey (FTO Remotefly) .................................................................................................................. 10

4.1.2 Reservoirs and Water System (RHEA International Team) ................................................................................ 10

4.1.3 Fog Harvesting (RHEA International Team) ....................................................................................................... 11

4.1.4 Contingency Costs .............................................................................................................................................. 11

4.1.5 Social Project & Miscellaneous Costs (FFSS & PCV) ........................................................................................... 11

4.1.6 Reforestation (RHEA International Team) ......................................................................................................... 12

4.2 Cost Estimation & Release Dates ........................................................................................................................... 12

4.3 Project Timeline Estimation ................................................................................................................................... 13

4.3.1 Project Timeline ................................................................................................................................................. 13

5 The Intervention .............................................................................................................................................................. 14

5.1 Technical Intervention ........................................................................................................................................... 14

5.1.1 Geographic Survey ............................................................................................................................................. 14

5.1.2 Hydrographic Study ........................................................................................................................................... 16

5.1.3 Reservoirs .......................................................................................................................................................... 16

5.1.4 Water Network .................................................................................................................................................. 17

5.1.5 Water Treatment/Potabilization........................................................................................................................ 17

5.1.6 Fog Harvesting ................................................................................................................................................... 17

5.1.7 Reforestation ..................................................................................................................................................... 18

5.2 Social Intervention: Community Education & Investment ..................................................................................... 18

5.2.1 Community Education ....................................................................................................................................... 18

5.2.2 Minga ................................................................................................................................................................. 19

5.2.3 Legal Formation of “Junta de Agua” .................................................................................................................. 19

6 Professional/Company Profiles ........................................................................................................................................ 23

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6.1 Hannah Harper – Former Peace Corps Volunteer .................................................................................................. 23

6.2 Roxanne Reimer – Current Peace Corps Volunteer ............................................................................................... 23

6.3 Silvana Chamorro – Fundacion Familia Salesiana Salinas ...................................................................................... 23

6.4 Walter Vasconez – Junta Administradora de Agua Potable Salinas ....................................................................... 23

6.5 Álvaro Albán – Fondo Ecuatoriano Poopulorum Progressio .................................................................................. 24

6.6 RHEA International Team – www.rheateam.com .................................................................................................. 24

6.7 FTO REMOTEFLY America – www.ftoremoteflyamerica.com ................................................................................ 25

6.8 Manchester Community College ............................................................................................................................ 25

7 Sources Cited: .................................................................................................................................................................. 26

8 Appendix A: Water Board Statutes .................................................................................................................................. 27

9 Appendix B: Internal Regulations of the Water Board .................................................................................................... 28

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2 INTRODUCTION

The Agua Uksha Project is a project to renovate and expand the water system that provides water to the community of

Yurak Uksha, Salinas de Guaranda – Ecuador through the cooperation between the local population, local institutions, and

international companies and professionals.

The picturesque community of Yurak Uksha is nestled in the heart of the Ecuadorean Andes at a staggering altitude of

13,450 feet. On a clear day, majestic Chimborazo, a volcano whose peak is the farthest away from the earth’s core, acts as

a backdrop for the little Ecuadorian town. Its inhabitants have braved the harsh climate for many generations to create a

home rich with culture, natural resources and a strong sense of community. Yurak Uksha boasts both a pre-school and a

one-room mixed primary/secondary school, which are often the only education choices for children in the rural

communities in the area who can’t afford to travel to the capital of the parish where the main schools are located. The

people pride themselves on their llama meat, cheese and natural candy production. At first glance, it is hard to believe

that such a lively community lacks something as basic as access to water. However, when Peace Corps Volunteer Hannah

Harper conducted a diagnostic of Yurak Uksha she was shocked to discover that the local water system had not been

working for years, causing a serious health crisis. People are forced to collect rainwater, walk miles to a contaminated river

or simply go without water. People are unable to wash their clothes, attend to basic hygiene needs, use proper sanitation

facilities or even drink water. As a result, this sanitation emergency has led to an alarming rate of parasites, water borne

illnesses and soil contamination. Logically it is impossible for the hundreds of inhabitants of Yurak Uksha to live a healthy

and dignified life. With overwhelming support from the community itself, the United States Peace Corps, the Parish of

Salinas de Guaranda and our Project Team, we request your collaboration to end this crisis by bringing potable water, and

in turn health, to Yurak Uksha.

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3 YURAK UKSHA STATUS QUO REPORT

Yurak Uksha is a community located in the Parish of Salinas de Guaranda in the Bolivar Province of Ecuador. It is located 10

kilometers away from Salinas’ center, at an altitude of 4100 meters. Its Ecosystem is known as “Paramo” or high plains. It

is home to many plants and animals found nowhere else on earth, and is within the boundaries of the Reserva de

Produccion Faunistica Chimborazo (a natural reserve).

3.1 POPULATION

Yurak Uksha’s population is listed as 211 people. However, the community is home to a preschool and primary school,

where students from approximately six other communities attend during the school term. Combined there are over 80

students in the two locations increasing the population to approximately 270: 130 are male and 140 are female (INEC

2016).

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3.2 ECONOMY

Nearly the entire population of Yurak Uksha works in agriculture. Many own cows,

sheep, llamas or a pig. Although sheep are sometimes slaughtered and eaten by

community members, cows are generally for milk which is sold to the cheese factory and

the pigs are sold once they have grown. The community also produces llama meat. Most

members of the community farm small plots of land located below the community,

between Salinas and Yurak Uksha. Onion, fava beans, potatoes and other potato-like root

vegetables are the main crops. The altitude of the community prevents cultivation of

most crops in the community. The women in the community also practice artisan crafts

including making baskets from dried grasses and knitting. There is also a cheese factory

and a turron (a candy made from honey and peanuts) factory in the community. Yurak

Uksha lacks stable jobs and as such, much of the population does not have a stable

income.

3.3 HEALTH

The harsh climate of Yurak Uksha fosters an array of health issues. Intense sun has made skin problems a common

problem, especially among children. Residents report frequently having respiratory illnesses. This is likely partially a result

of the cold and windy climate, however many residents also cook over open wood fires inside their homes, making chronic

smoke inhalation another likely cause of respiratory illness in the community. Malnutrition, particularly in children and

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3% 8%

11%

50%

28%

FIGURE 1: TOTAL TIME WITHOUT WATER EACH YEAR

Less than 15 days 16 days - 1 month 1-2 months

2-3 months 3-5 months Over 5 months

9%

3%

3%

3%

6%

37

%

57

% 86

%

83

%

74

%

57

%

40

%

FIGURE 2: PERCENTAGE OF HOMES WITHOUT WATER EACH MONTH

elderly, is evident as well. This issue seems to be caused by a combination of unavailability of fruits, vegetables and

proteins in the community, and a lack of knowledge of good nutrition practices. There is a large number of single mothers,

indicating a lack of sexual and reproductive health knowledge and practices.

3.4 CLIMATE

Temperatures in Yurak Uksha range from 0-6° Celsius. Intense winds are often present, and during the rainy season,

heavy rain and almost constant cloud coverage. The wet season generally falls between October and June, while dry

season lasts from July to September. During the dry season water is difficult to come by. Climate change has also

influenced the community, drying a lake that was previously above the community and making the seasons less

predictable.

3.5 WATER, SANITATION & HYGIENE

The community of Yurak Uksha has identified water as their largest need. Although most houses have a tap stand outside

their home, the current water system is composed of various, small and deteriorating reservoirs connected to their homes

with hoses. These reservoirs are currently not connected to each other and there is no overarching system for everyone in

the community. The current captation system was

constructed poorly and does not capture the water as

it should. The hoses often break, leaving residents

without water until they are repaired. There is

currently no system to treat the water before it arrives

to the tap stands, and it is not uncommon for livestock

to be near the water sources. For substantial portions

of the year, no water arrives to the tap stands at all, as

the reservoirs dry during the summer. As shown in

Figure 1, 78 percent of people in the community

report lacking water for at least three months each

year. Figure 2 shows the percentage of homes

reporting a lack of water each month. Although the

reports of each person vary, it is evident that the

summer months are the months when there is not

sufficient water to arrive at the homes. When there is

no water, the community members can walk to

several wells that are located nearby. However, for

purposes of washing clothes, they must walk to a river

over an hour each direction to find enough water.

The lack of water in the community has also had a

large effect on sanitation. Seventy percent of the

homes have a bathroom, however all of these

bathrooms were constructed with a pour-flush toilet.

As the homes do not receive water for up to half the year, the residents are forced to either bring water from a well to

flush their toilets, or abandon their use during the dry season. Fifty-eight percent of the community reports open

defecation for at least a portion of the year. The lack of a sewer system has also been identified as a need by many

members of the community.

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3.6 MAP OF THE AREA

An aerial map depicting the current, not working, water system.

ABANDONED

BUILDINGS

RESERVOIRS

AND POND

FINAL

RESERVOIRS

CEMENT

TANK

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4 PROJECT EXECUTION

The project will consist of both a technical and a social intervention. The technical intervention will include the design and

construction of reservoirs, fog nets, a treatment system, and a distribution system. The social intervention will include the

formation of a legal water committee to oversee the legal, financial and technical upkeep of the system. Education and

capacity building of the water committee, the community, and the school children will also be an important aspect of the

project. This has begun already and will continue throughout the entirety of the project.

4.1 COSTS ESTIMATION - DETAIL

4.1.1 GEOGRAPHIC SURVEY (FTO REMOTEFLY)

Release Date: Day 1 - $7736.04

Activity Cost Description

GIS analysis USD 1,864.00 Cartographic information preliminary baseline of the study area areas of water accumulation

Field inspection with UAV USD 4,922.00 UAV flight GPS ground control points 3D Relief (DTM)

TOTAL USD 6,786.00

VAT 14% USD 950.04

TOTAL with VAT USD 7,736.04

4.1.2 RESERVOIRS AND WATER SYSTEM (RHEA INTERNATIONAL TEAM)

Release Dates:

Day 22 – $8201.54: Reservoirs, Water Quality Tests, Filtration Systems, System Water Meters, Fencing

Day 115 – $9120.00: Water Distribution System


Reservoirs (3)

Reservoirs construction USD 4,680.00 3 reservoirs for a total of 18 m3 of reinforced cement.

Valves (3) USD 500.00 3 valves

Pipes (18 m) USD 64.00 A total of 18 m of piping to connect each filtration system to its reservoir.

Water quality tests (3) USD 600.00 Water quality tests to ensure proposed treatment is sufficient

Filtration systems (3)

Filtration ponds USD 785.25 3 ponds made of reinforced concrete, one per reservoir.

Gravel and sand USD 65.08 A total of 3 m3, for the 3 filtration systems

Water distribution system

Pipes and connections USD 3,000.00

Technical costs USD 3,000.00 System design and construction follow up

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Household consumption water meters

USD 2000.00 Water meters for individual connections

System water meters (6) USD 300.00 Water meters to measure source water flow and community water usage

Fencing USD 200.00 Fencing around reservoirs to protect sources from animal invasion

TOTAL USD 15,194.33

IVA 14% USD 2,127.21


4.1.3 FOG HARVESTING (RHEA INTERNATIONAL TEAM)



Design of Water nets USD 1,000.00

Construction and installation of Water nets

USD 4,000.00

Water meter USD 300.00 Water meter with logger capabilities to track water capitation continuously

TOTAL USD 5,300.00

VAT 14% USD 742.00


4.1.4 CONTINGENCY COSTS



Contingency costs USD 3,109.96 10 percent of project costs in case of unexpected costs or necessary changes in design

4.1.5 SOCIAL PROJECT & MISCELLANEOUS COSTS (FFSS & PCV)



Social project costs USD 500.00 Assistance in creation of “Junta de Agua” and educational costs

Transportation costs USD 500.00 Travel to and from community and other

TOTAL USD 1000.00

VAT 14% USD 140.00

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TOTAL with VAT USD 1140.00

4.1.6 REFORESTATION (RHEA INTERNATIONAL TEAM)

Reforestation will be done harvesting local plants, with the help of local population: this way costs will be reduced to zero.

4.2 COST ESTIMATION & RELEASE DATES

The total estimated cost of the Agua Uksha project will be of USD 35,349.54

Release Dates & Descriptions:

Release Date Description Costs

Release Date 1: Project Day 1

Geographic Survey $7,736.04

Contingency Costs $3,109.96

Social Project and Miscellaneous Costs $1,140.00

Release Date 1 Total $11,986.00


Reservoirs, Water Quality Tests, Filtration Systems, System Water Meters, Fencing

$8,201.54

Fog Harvesting $6,042.00



Water Distribution System $9,120.00


Total Project Costs

$35,349.54

Release dates are calculated from the beginning of the project with Day 1 being considered the date on which the

geographic survey begins. This date will be the first date the FTO RemoteFly Team is available to begin the survey after the

funds have been received. Weekends have been considered in the calculation of days.

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4.3 PROJECT TIMELINE ESTIMATION

4.3.1 PROJECT TIMELINE

The total estimated time for the implementation of the entire project will be approximately 6 months. The Gantt diagram above takes into account the

weekends, while the durations are expressed in working days. The Gantt diagram shows only the technical intervention as the social intervention is ongoing

and will continue throughout the entirety of the technical project as well as after its completion.

The activities that could delay the project are “Reservoir & filtration system construction” due to the high altitude and logistics difficulties to reach the

construction site.

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5 THE INTERVENTION

To improve the water access capabilities and the life and health conditions of the population in the area, the project team

devised an intervention divided into two parts: a technical intervention and a social intervention.

The technical intervention involves the construction of a water system formed by water collection devices and reservoirs,

a water treatment system, fog nets to augment the water supply and a water network that connects the sources and

brings water to the community. The addition of fog nets as a new water source is expected to give the project added

resilience, reliability, and sustainability as current sources have been continually diminishing over the past decades.

The social component of the project will be the most important to the sustainability of the water system. This part of the

project includes the formation of a legal water committee to assume responsibility of the system as well as education and

capacity building of the community, the committee, and the school children on themes of the water system and other

water-related issues.

5.1 TECHNICAL INTERVENTION

The first step in the technical intervention will be a geographic survey to precisely describe the area and its hydrographic

characteristics. Based on this information, the water collection and storage systems will be designed, keeping in account

the needs of the local population, along with requirements for a water network. The design will include fog harvesting

with the goal augmenting the water sources of the community for added long-term viability and sustainability of the

project. This plan will be submitted to SENAGUA (the government water authority) for verification of its technical viability

before construction and any needed changes will be made to meet technical viability requirements. The construction

phase will then take place. The last part of the Technical Intervention will concern a reforestation plan, to protect the new

water system and fortify the ecosystem.

5.1.1 GEOGRAPHIC SURVEY

The study area is located in the parish of Salinas, County of Guaranda, in the province of Bolivar. Bolivar is located in

western-central Ecuador. It encompasses two micro basins that belong to Guayas’s river basin and 5th

level Chimbos’s river

sub-basin. The micro basin “Capulí” has an area of approximately 205 hectares, and is formed by Capulí and Cochapungu

rivers. The micro basin “Yurak Uksha” has an area of approximately 67 hectares. The area in focus has a maximum height

of 4380 m and a minimum height of 4060 m.

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The ecosystems that form part of the study area are: 1) Higher mountain humid grassland of the Paramo; and 2) Grassland

and bushland evergreen of the Paramo. Both micro-basins belong to the Chimborazo National Park (Ecosystems Map MAE

2016).

Yurak Uksha is the community centered in the study area. Yurak Uksha’s population does not currently have enough water

to supply their needs year-round.

Land inside the micro basins is used to pasture non-intensive livestock, which compromise part of the typical natural

ecosystem. Furthermore, short cycle, non-intensive crops have been undermining and contaminating the water basins.

SURVEY METHODS

The first step will be to assess morphometric parameters of the micro basins; this will be carried out to diagnose the

effectiveness of the water system of the zone. To establish this preliminary baseline of the study area, information and

cartography of official sources will be collected and analyzed.

Because the study areas are small (in comparison to the sub basin), the morphometric analysis will serve to collaborate in

the planning and management of the water resource as well as to validate or undermine a previous diagnosis about the

status quo of the micro basins.

To measure the morphometric parameters of the micro basins, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be used to

digitize the polygon corresponding to the limits of the micro basin with the detailed topography of the area. Because the

methodology is intended to be replicated, free software will be used, so the use of the QGIS system will be important in

this study.

To better characterize the study area, data collection through an Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) will be performed. The

use of the UAV will allow the engineers to obtain the shape, height, geographical curvature, and types of vegetation that

characterize the study area, so the morphometric parameters of the micro basins can be assessed in the most scientific

and accurate manner possible. A technical team made up of specialists in environmental protection, together with

professional UAV’s pilots, will be in charge of the logistics of the flight mission.

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The data obtained in the flight mission will be processed and analyzed with GIS and specialized aerial photogrammetry

software of the UAV, obtaining results such as Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and the geographical curvature. The

combination of this data alongside GIS analysis will allow a precise definition of both micro basins to obtain the

approximate flows in each zone. This will allow the engineers to isolate the areas most viable for construction of fog

harvesting devices and new reservoirs, and in this way, will optimize the water network.

5.1.2 HYDROGRAPHIC STUDY

Based on the data collected and analyzed by F.T.O., a study of the water basin will be conducted. This study aims to

identify the areas where (and how) water naturally flows and is collected. With this information, a water system can be

designed to allow the water to flow in a natural direction, minimizing the design and construction efforts and

environmental impact.

An example of this would be positioning reservoirs in points where water organically emerges, positioning the piping

system following the natural inclination of the slopes, or following the natural canals. All of this can contribute to the

ensured sustainability of the system. The existing structures and water network will also be utilized as much as possible, as

to recycle the existing resources and reduce impacts and costs.

5.1.3 RESERVOIRS

The project will include reservoirs to collect and store the already present water sources in a more efficient and effective

manner.

Reservoirs will be excavated in the ground, made of waterproof concrete and covered with a specialized paint that

reduces the bacterial charge and protects the concrete below from acids and ultra violet rays.

The reservoirs will have a covering with an inspection window. Enclosure or fencing around each reservoir will also be

constructed in order to protect the water source from any intruding species.

A rough, preliminary, estimation of the required volumes of the reservoirs are as follows:

o 100 liters of water per resident per day;

o 50 liters of water per non-resident student per day;

o 215 residents;

o 60 non-resident students;

= 24,500 liters of water per day.

Taking in account the construction difficulties (access to the area, altitude, irregular terrain, etc.) and the costs, the project

will construct:

o 3 reservoirs

o Dimensions: 2 m X 2 m X 2 m = 8 m3

= A total of 24 m3, corresponding to 24,000 liters of water available.

Although the total planned volume for the reservoirs is 24 m3, the size of each individual reservoir may vary depending on

water flow from the given sources. In addition to the reservoirs, necessary hydraulic works will also be a part of the design

(valves, connections, etc.).

The lacking water will be added into the system through fog harvesting as described below.

Water meters will be installed as the water leaves storage and enters the distribution system. These meters will provide

data on water usage, which enable the community to make decisions on their water system based on actual data. It will

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also allow discrepancies between the amount of water entering the distribution system and the usage measured by

individual consumer water meters to be seen, which will help in the detection of leaks as well as clandestine connections.

Water meters will also be added to measure the water entering each reservoir to collect information on flows into the

reservoirs from the water sources. The community currently lacks this data, and flow rates in different months as well as

changes in flow rates over the years will also be crucial to inform community water decisions in the future.

5.1.4 WATER NETWORK

The water network will connect all the water collection and storage devices in one system, and send the water to the

community below. Water will be distributed to each household at tap stands located outside each home. In this way, each

family will have access to water within ten meters of their home. Individual water meters will be purchased to enable the

water committee to charge fees based on water consumption and to encourage responsible consumption of water. The

tap stands and water meters will be considered as the personal responsibility of each consumer and each will complete

the proper upkeep and maintenance thereof. The water committee will be responsible for the addition of any new users

as well as the charging of fees or enforcing conditions of adding new consumers. Such fees and conditions will be explicitly

stated in the internal regulations of the water committee which will be presented to and approved by the community.

The piping will take in account the difference in altitude between the reservoirs and Yurak Uksha (“water head”) such that

water can arrive at the homes without use of motors or other extra expenses for the members of the community. A set of

devices (valves) will permit the network to operate in case of emergency (rupture, failure, etc.). The temperatures of the

environment during the year will also be considered to ensure that the low temperatures of the community do not cause

harm to the system. Maintenance of the piping is the responsibility of the water committee as stated in the statutes

approved by the community.

5.1.5 WATER TREATMENT/POTABILIZATION

Treatment needed to ensure the safety of the water will be evaluated on the basis of water quality tests. The source water

is expected to have a high degree of potability since there are no human activities above the area where the water

collection will take place. The low temperatures also prevent growth of pathogens in the water. The protection of the

water sources, including a barrier to the entrance of animals and the planting of trees and plants around the sources will

also prevent contamination and increase the quality of the source water.

Depending on water quality results, advanced filtration and/or chlorination may be decided upon to ensure potability and

safe consumption of the water. Gravel and sand filtration will be put into place as the water enters the reservoirs to

remove any particles from the water and as an added safety measure regardless of the results of the water quality tests in

accordance with the multiple barrier approach.

5.1.6 FOG HARVESTING

As water is scarce, it is important to consider all potential sources of additional water. The region in which Yurak Uksha lies

often has large amounts of fog, which makes fog harvesting a viable option as an additional water source. Fog harvesting

has been successfully implemented in many similar regions of the world and has proven to be a low-impact, sustainable

method of water collection.1,2,3,4

As Yurak Uksha has the characteristics necessary for a successful fog harvesting project,

this will be the method of augmenting the current water sources to provide the entirety of the community’s water needs.

Fog harvesting systems are composed of a vertical mesh. The mesh may be made out of various types of materials. The

most important factors to obtain efficient harvesting of the tiny airborne droplets of fog are:

o Size of the filaments of the nets,

o Size of the holes between the filaments, and

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o The coating applied to the filaments.

Most of the existing fog-harvesting systems are made out of woven polyolefin mesh: although relatively inexpensive, they

tend to have filaments and openings that are much too large. Consequently, they may only remove about 2% of the water

available in a mild fog condition. However, new research has shown that nets with a finer mesh than those commonly

available could remove 10% or more. Multiple nets, installed one behind another could then extract even more, if needed.

These factors will all be considered in the design.

Once the size and type of material for the net have been selected, the following factors will also be evaluated:

o Location;

o Climatic conditions;

o Wind speed;

o Topography;

o Area of the net(s).

Additionally, other factors that will be considered in study design include: structure for installation of the nets, materials

used for the structure, and method for capturing, storing and distributing the water.

5.1.7 REFORESTATION

Due to the characteristics of the area (Paramo), the water system will be exposed to harsh weather and to unstable

terrain. To consolidate the ground and protect the systems, a reforestation plan will be evaluated within the area of

construction.

Reforestation will be used to preserve the natural ecosystem and protect the water sources. Only local species will be

used, in order to avoid unforeseen damage to the ecosystem and to guarantee the resilience of the plants to the peculiar

and difficult environment.

The use of locally available species, together with the involvement of the local population through a “minga”, will greatly

help to contain the costs of this reforestation.

5.2 SOCIAL INTERVENTION: COMMUNITY EDUCATION & INVESTMENT

A socially sustainable intervention is crucial to the long-term success of any water project. As many studies have proven,

the education and investment of the community are key to this sustainability. The investment of the community has been

evident from the beginning. The high levels of interest and commitment from community members to solve their water

issues is the reason past Peace Corps Volunteer Hannah Harper chose to begin this project. Harper spent over a year

working within the school and community conducting nutrition, safe water practices and hygiene talks. Current PC

Volunteer Roxanne Reimer will now be continuing the management of the project and will be responsible for the social

intervention.

5.2.1 COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Continuing education and capacity building of the community will be crucial to the project.5,6,7

This education will happen

in three parts: Education of the water committee as well as interested community members on the water system and its

functioning; Education of the community on themes of water treatment, water usage, sanitation, hygiene, etc.; and

Education of the students in the primary school of Yurak Uksha on water related themes.

The components of education in the primary school and the community began over two years ago with PC Volunteer

Hannah Harper and have continued ever since. Current volunteer Roxanne Reimer took over this component in August

2017 and has continued to go to the school each week to conduct activities to teach the school children about water, its

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importance, water safety, water usage and conservation, sanitation and hygiene, etc. These activities will continue

throughout the entirety of Reimer’s term of service, which is currently expected to end in August of 2019.

Reimer, and Harper previously, has also been attending entire community meetings once a month on average since the

beginning of her service. Themes of quality of source water, water source protection, contamination of water and its

health effects and other various themes relating to the project and the water committee have already been addressed in

these meetings. Reimer will continue accompanying the community in these meetings and will further address these

themes as well as: proper water collection and storage, tap stand and meter maintenance, water conservation, general

water system design and reasoning, general water system maintenance, and other themes of water, sanitation and

hygiene.

Although design and maintenance of the system is primarily the concern of the water committee, it is important that the

entire community understand the system and take ownership of it. As such, these general themes will be discussed with

the community as a whole, and not just the water committee. It is expected that this will help not only with interest and

ownership, but also with continuity in maintenance and operation in the event of operator or water committee turnover.

Education of the water committee and the community on the water system will be done by both PC Volunteer Roxanne

Reimer and RHEA International Team. Parts of this education will happen informally as the community helps to construct

the system. RHEA International Team will also conduct a formal training for the water committee and the community on

the design of the water system, why it works, how to operate it and how to perform maintenance on the system. Walter

Vasconez (President of the water committee in Salinas) has also agreed to be a continuing support to the water

committee in Yurak Uksha with his experience and knowledge of the technical, social and financial aspects of the

management of a water system.

5.2.2 MINGA

In addition to populace education, it is important that the community invests in the project in tangible ways.8,9

As such,

the majority of the manual labor for the project will be conducted by the community in what is known as a “minga.” A

minga is a project in which the entire population contributes to ensure it is completed. This is a cultural practice still relied

upon in many small communities in Ecuador, including Yurak Uksha, as a means of promoting community pride, unity and

productivity. Yurak Uksha has agreed that the majority of the work for the water system will be provided by their

inhabitants free of charge, therefore decreasing costs and increasing ownership, investment and knowledge of the system

by the residents of the community.

5.2.3 LEGAL FORMATION OF “JUNTA DE AGUA”

The formation of a committee to take charge of the technical and financial management of the system once it is

completed is also crucial. In this way, there will be people in the community with the explicit responsibility to care for the

water system. In Ecuador, there are provisions for the formation of such groups, which are known as “Juntas

Administradoras de Agua Potable”. Although not without challenges, these water committees have been successful in

many communities around the world.10,11

According to Ecuadorian water laws, these water committees are community-based, non-profit organizations that have

the purpose of providing to the public, drinking water and sanitation services. Their actions are based on criteria of equity,

solidarity, diversity, economic efficiency, sustainability of water resources, and quality in the provision of services and in

the distribution of water.

According to the legal framework, the establishment of a Water Board is considered from the Constitution of the Republic

of Ecuador, Organic Law of Water Resources, uses and exploitation of water (LORHUyA), Organic Law of Citizen

Participation, Regulation to the Organic Law of Water Resources, Water Use and Utilization, Statute of the Administrative

Judicial Regime of the executive function (ERJAFE), Reform and new codification to the organic statute of Organizational

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Management by processes, Executive Decree No. 5, of May 30, 2013, Codification and Amendments to Executive Decree

No. 16 of June 4, 2013, published in the supplement to Official Register No. 19 of June 20, 2013.

Natural or legal persons residing in a locality, where the corresponding GAD (Gobierno Autonomo Decentralizado –

Decentralized Autonomous Government) does not provide drinking water services, may form a Water Board.

Members of a Water Board are all natural persons, legal entities, community organizations that demand water-related

goods or services provided by users.

Previously a makeshift “junta de agua” or water board, existed. However, it was not legally regulated, nor recognized. In

order to guarantee the sustainability of the project, Reimer, alongside other interested parties, began working in October

of 2017 on the process to form a legally recognized water committee. This process involves a series of full-community

meetings where the community must vote for a provisional water board and socialize and approve legal statutes of the

water board. The community must have a quorum present at each of these meetings. The provisional board is then

responsible to complete extensive paperwork and documentation of the process which is turned into SENAGUA (Secretary

of Water in Ecuador) for legal approval of the board. These steps have all been taken and in March 2018 the provisional

board received word that “Junta Administrativa de Agua Potable Yurak Uksha” is now a legally recognized entity with the

right to assume ownership of Yurak Uksha’s water system and the responsibility to assume the administration thereof. A

new, non-provisional board was democratically elected by the community on April 6, 2018. This committee will be in place

for a period of two years, as stated in the statutes of the board.

According to Article 13 of the statutes that have been approved by the committee and legalized by SENAGUA, the water

board will have the following responsibilities and attributions:

a) Complete and ensure that the established laws are completed to that effect; b) Assume the responsibility of the administrative, technical, commercial and financial management of the water

committee, for which an annual work plan will be elaborated; c) The directive, will be able to contract necessary personnel for the construction, administration, operation, and

maintenance of the infrastructure of the system, that permits the efficient service of potable water; keeping in mind the economic conditions of the directive. Said contracts will need to be presented and approved by the general assembly of consumers;

d) Execute the decisions made by the general assembly of consumers in reference to construction, administration, commercialization, operation, and maintenance of the system for efficient service of potable water;

e) Establish, collect and administrate fees for services given, within technical criteria of LORHUyA, its regulations and other norms established by the Secretary of Water (SENAGUA) and by the Agency of Regulation and Control of Water (ARCA);

f) Manage before the Municipal GADs or other organizations the location of budget items and economic resources to carry out studies, construction, improvement, administration, operation and maintenance of potable water systems;

g) Coordinate the completion of studies for the construction or improvement of drinking water systems, with SENAGUA or the Municipal GADs, in order to comply with the technical conditions thereof;

h) Present to the General Assembly of Consumers the tariff proposal for water consumption, new facilities, fines or other items that imply economic income, necessary for the administration, operation and maintenance of the JAAP;

i) Obtain technical feasibility certification from the Secretary of Water for the construction of new infrastructure. j) Respect and demand respect for the rights of the consumers, as well as demand the obligations established in

this Statute; k) Establish, disseminate and apply the mechanisms for the treatment of internal conflicts, related to the objectives

of the JAAP, subjecting itself to the principles, rights and guarantees provided for in the Constitution of the Republic and other current regulations;

l) Create and keep updated the registry of consumers; m) Elaborate and Annual Operation Plan and present it for the approval of the General Assembly of Consumers; n) Propose for the knowledge and resolution of the General Assembly of Consumers the procedures for the

application of sanctions, for acts or omissions linked to the Statute of the JAAP and its Internal Regulation;

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o) Appoint the work commissions that are necessary for the correct fulfillment of the purposes established by the JAAP;

p) Report annually to the Secretary of Water the information related to its management as well as all types of information that may be required;

q) Sign agreements, contracts and other legal instruments for the improvement of service provision; r) Coordinate sanitary campaigns with the Secretary of Water and those related to the good use of water; s) Answer for the management and custody of the economic funds of the JAAP; t) Ensure the exercise of the human right to water to all inhabitants domiciled in the sectors that make up the scope

of action of the JAAP; and to resolve in a timely and immediate manner the request for potable water service, based on a report from the operator or the member of the Board of Directors responsible for this commission; In the event that the applicant's home is outside the JAAP service area, the technical criteria of the Secretary of Water or the corresponding Municipal GAD will be required, indicating that the connection will not affect the operation of the system. ;

u) Ensure, in accordance with the terms established in its Operating Plan, that all users of the service have micro-measurement devices (water meters), and that they are in good working order;

v) Receive and approve applications for the entry of new consumers; w) Resolve and provide temporary suspension of service to consumers who have not complied with their payments

for the service according to the provisions of the Internal Regulation; x) Establish penalties for consumers who have detected clandestine connections, alterations or manipulation to the

water meter or other units of the drinking water system; y) Once the period for which they were elected is completed, the directive will provide in detail all the

documentation and goods duly inventoried and in optimal operating conditions that are in their charge, for which they must sign a receipt delivery document, which will be posted In the knowledge of the General Assembly and the Secretary of Water;

z) Prepare a plan to improve the services provided by the Board, inform the General Assembly of Consumers, and send it to the Secretary of Water for approval.

According to Article 25 of the statutes, consumers will have the following rights:

a) Receive equal treatment in the provision of drinking water service. The elderly, that is, those who are over the age of sixty-five, and persons with disabilities, will be subject to the exemptions provided in the corresponding laws;

b) Request connections of drinking water services, through the forms established for this purpose; c) Participate in the General Assemblies of Consumers with the right to speak and vote, in equal conditions in the

deliberations and debates, prior to the adoption of resolutions on topics related to the objectives of the JAAP; d) Fulfill the functions and form the specific commissions assigned to them by the General Assembly of Consumers,

the President or the Board; e) Require JAAP to provide potable water service with efficiency, good treatment, in optimal conditions, in

accordance with the principles established in the current legal framework; f) To be informed at the General Assemblies of Consumers about the administrative, commercial, financial, legal or

technical management of the JAAP; g) To elect and be elected to the positions of the Board, provided that it complies with the requirements established

in this Statute; h) Formulate proposals or suggestions within the framework of the objectives of the JAAP, that allow to efficiently

fulfill the provision of the potable water service; i) The other rights that are foreseen in the current regulations and this Statute.

Article 26 of the statutes states that consumers will have the following obligations:

a) Attend punctually the meetings of the General Assembly of Consumers, be they ordinary or extraordinary; non-

compliance will be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of this Statute; b) Pay the fee for the drinking water service on a monthly basis in the Treasury of the JAAP;

The breach of this obligation means that the consumer assumes the payment of the legal interest on the amount owed, from the second month after the payment was due;

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c) Natural or legal persons cannot sell their right of connection, if a property is sold or transferred, the new owner must give notice of the transfer to the Directive within a period not exceeding ninety days, attaching a copy of the corresponding public instrument for registration purposes;

d) It is the responsibility of the consumer, to maintain the interior facilities in optimum conditions, so as to avoid internal water leaks. For this purpose, he or she assumes the commitment to provide the facilities required by the staff of JAAP operators, or members of the Board, for supervision and control purposes; In the case of detecting leaks in the facilities, the consumer must repair them immediately;

e) The use of drinking water for purposes other than human consumption related to domestic purposes is prohibited;

f) It is up to the consumer to report the existence of clandestine connections and/or referrals, that is, those that have not been installed with the express authorization of the JAAP;

g) Any unauthorized connection will be considered clandestine and will be subject to the sanctions established in this Statute; After which, if the case requires it, a procedure may be carried out to legalize it.

h) Participate in the activities planned by the Directive, for the maintenance of the drinking water system, watershed protection and other issues related to the provision of the service;

i) Any other responsibilities imposed in the current regulations and this Statute.

Articles 38 through 43 specify the expectations around the fees charged for water by the water board:

Art. 38.- The rates will be calculated and fixed based on the principles, criteria, methodologies, formulas and procedures established in the regulations set by the Regulation and Control Agency (ARCA) and the Secretary of Water - SENAGUA. The rates of the services will be differentiated and will consider the socioeconomic situation of people with lower incomes. Art. 39.- In places where there are sanitation systems (sanitary sewer), administered by the JAAP, the calculation of fees must include the costs of operation and maintenance thereof. Art. 40.- The rates must cover the administration, operation and maintenance expenses of each of the systems, including the acquisition of the necessary supplies for the treatment, the hiring of personnel, the payment of basic services, materials, leasing of premises and other costs determined by the Secretary of Water and the Regulation and Control Agency -ARCA. Art. 41.- The principles of solidarity, equity, sustainability and periodicity shall apply to rates, in accordance with the provisions of the LORHUyA and its Regulations. Art. 42.- The application of the tariff formulas will guarantee the financial viability, that is to say the recovery of the own costs of the operation, maintenance and administration of the services, in order to guarantee the sustainability thereof; and will be structured in such a way as to allow easy understanding, application and control. Art. 43.- Revision of fees will be carried out regularly by the Regulation and Control Agency, taking into account the dynamics of water production costs.

The full statutes of the water board can be found in Appendix A (in Spanish).

The next step in the process is to complete and approve the internal regulations for the board. Internal regulations are

developed based on a format provided by SENAGUA and were socialized at the April 6 meeting. Another meeting has been

set for April 20 in which the regulations will be approved. Inside these rules are specific fees, fines, responsibilities and

explicit inner-workings of the water committee. A copy of the format provided by the Secretary of Water can be found in

Appendix B (in Spanish). The community has a period of 60 days from the legalization of the water board to approve the

internal regulations.

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6 PROFESSIONAL/COMPANY PROFILES

Professional profiles of the team members of the Agua Uksha project.

6.1 HANNAH HARPER – FORMER PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER

Hannah Harper was a community health volunteer for the United States Peace Corps. She has

worked in HIV prevention, NGO fundraising, nutrition counseling, hospice and sexual health. She

had two years of experience working in Ecuador first for the Ministry of Health in the province of

Guayas, and then for the Fundacion Familia Salesiana in Salinas de Guaranda, Bolivar. She worked

in the community of Yurak Uksha for over a year providing education regarding water treatment,

yoga, nutrition, English and self-esteem. She received her BA in History from the University of

California Los Angeles.

Harper originally saw the need for water in the community of Yurak Uksha, and this project began

due to her involvement. Harper no longer lives in Ecuador, however continues to support the

project with information and insights from her experiences.

6.2 ROXANNE REIMER – CURRENT PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER

Roxanne Reimer is the current Peace Corps Volunteer in Salinas. She arrived in August 2017 and

will be present in Salinas for two years. Her educational background is in Environmental

Engineering. Reimer received her Master’s in Environmental Engineering in May of 2016 as well as

a certificate in Engineering for Developing Communities from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Her studies focused on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Developing Communities. She has

previous experience living and working in Guatemala, Peru, and Bolivia.

Reimer will be responsible for the overall management of the Yurak Uksha water project, both

technical and social components. She will ensure communication between all interested parties

including: the technical team, Rotary New Hampshire, Rotary Ambato, the community of Yurak Uksha, local government

authorities, etc. Reimer will also be the lead on the social intervention in the community.

6.3 SILVANA CHAMORRO – FUNDACION FAMILIA SALESIANA SALINAS

Fundacion Familia Salesiana Salinas is a foundation based in Salinas that has been working with the

rural communities of Salinas for over 25 years. The history of FFSS in Salinas began in 1978, and as

such, the foundation has strong relationships with the communities in which it works. Silvana

Chamorro is in charge of social and educational programs with the foundation, and is also the

counterpart of PC Volunteer Roxanne Reimer. She has worked with the foundation for over 15

years and has strong relationships with the communities in which she works, including Yurak

Uksha. Her knowledge and experience with the communities has been, and continues to be

instrumental to this project.

6.4 WALTER VASCONEZ – JUNTA ADMINISTRADORA DE AGUA POTABLE SALINAS

This city of Salinas currently has a legal and successfully functioning water committee. Their water is treated to high

standards and their management of both the technical and financial aspects of the system can be an example for the

community of Yurak Uksha to follow. President of the water committee, Walter Vasconez, has readily agreed to lend his

support to the community of Yurak Uksha in this water project. He has been instrumental in the encouragement of the

community and education in the importance of water and a legal water committee, and has pledged to continue his

support of this project and specifically the water committee.

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6.5 ÁLVARO ALBÁN – FONDO ECUATORIANO POOPULORUM PROGRESSIO

FEPP is a private institution founded in 1970 with the social goal of serving the men and women

in the countryside of Ecuador, including indigenous, Afro-Ecuadorian, Montubios, Mestizos,

urban settlers and the poor. They achieve their goals through organization, education, access to

financial resources, sources of labor and means of production, transformation and marketing,

environmental conservation, gender equity, advocacy, welfare, and contributes to the creation of

more humane hope, justice, peace and living conditions.

Álvaro Albán is an employee of FEPP who is currently working on their project to legalize water

committees in rural communities in order to provide communities with more sustainable water

systems. Albán has worked with various other communities in the region, and is now providing

support to the community of Yurak Uksha in the formation of their water committee.

6.6 RHEA INTERNATIONAL TEAM – WWW.RHEATEAM.COM

Rhea International Team is groups of professionals, committed to use gentle technologies to

protect the planet and help people live better; Rhea is working at an international level in design

and construction of green systems for wastewater treatment, environmental protection and

energy production from renewable sources.

With more than 152 projects realized and 479 designed all over the world, Rhea combines

business experience, design and management of project implementation, systematization

processes and an innovation culture. The team constantly strives to discover and create new

solutions and technologies.

THE TEAM:

Andrea Zorzi holds a degree in the protection and reorganization of territory with

a specialization in the design and treatment wetland systems and reforestation

plans. He is an environmental education expert.

Dr. Davide Tocchetto, agronomist and PhD., with twenty years of worldwide

experience in wetland treatment solutions, farming and rural development.

Mauro Lajo is an entrepreneur, teacher and system designer with 20 years of

experience in the design and realization of constructed wetland plants. He

currently works in the construction of giant bamboo forests for the production of

shoots and wood.

Giacomo Rossi is an aerospace engineer and traveler; he has experience as a

researcher, teacher and consultant for small and big companies, in the fields of

project management and innovation. He also managed technical projects for NGOs and voluntary associations in

developing countries.

PROJECT EXAMPLES:

o Ecuadorian National Plan of Reforestation 2014-2017 (GIS technicians for territorial analysis and planning of

forest restoration in an area of 254 Ha);

o Phytoremediation plant (450 m2) for zootechnical waste coming from a milking parlor in Hokkaido, Japan;

o Constructed wetlands for urban wastewater in Bejà, Portugal; designed for 32000 people, the system treats 6400

m³ of wastewater daily. The outgoing water is reused to irrigate a golf course;

25

o Floating purification systems installed in various medium-slow-flowing streams and within lakes, in Italy;

o Phytoremediation system located within the Park of the Dolomites near Belluno, Italy. The plant has a size of 80

square meters and is one of the highest in Italy;

o Photovoltaic plant for a maternity center (2.2 kW) and a school (2.6 kW) in the Sundarbans, the rural area in the

south of Kolkata, West Bengal – India;

o Photovoltaic plant for a farm (5.2 kW) in the bush around Ita-Djebou, Benin (West Africa).

The role of Rhea in the Agua Uksha Project will be the study and design of the water collection and storage systems, of the

water network and of the purification system; Eng. Giacomo Rossi will be in charge of the management of the technical

aspects of the project.

6.7 FTO REMOTEFLY AMERICA – WWW.FTOREMOTEFLYAMERICA.COM

FTO Remotefly América is an Ecuadorian company, born

in 2017, that works with professional UAVs (Unmanned

Aerial Vehicles). It’s also a professional training center

for professional UAV pilots. The company is driven by

energetic people, like professional UAV pilots, flight

instructors, engineers and geographers.

F.T.O. Remotefly América works in critical and non-critical areas, in Ecuador and internationally, in this fields:

o Environmental monitoring

o Aero-photogrammetry and topography

o Environmental engineering

o Precision agriculture

o Civil engineering

o Civil protection

o Photo and video marketing production.

The role of F.T.O. Remotefly América in the Agua Uksha Project will be the geographic survey, image and data collection,

and the GIS analysis of the acquired information.

6.8 MANCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The Agua Uksha project was brought to the Queen City Rotary’s attention by students and faculty from Manchester

Community College in Manchester, NH. The Global Citizens Club is a student organization at MCC with the mission to

participate in clean water initiatives through international service and learning trips. This group

partnered with Hannah Harper and Roxanne Reimer to facilitate fundraising for the Agua Uksha

project and to bring water filtration systems to other remote indigenous communities in the

province of Guaranda. Through this partnership, community college students gain insight into

the challenges of building sustainable solutions in developing communities in Ecuador. They are

able to connect with community members and engage with people from different

cultures. They also interact with local business leaders at the Rotary and develop leadership,

presentation, and fundraising skills while making local and international impacts.

26

7 SOURCES CITED:

1. “Ecuador Early Projects.” Fogquest: Sustainable Water Soluntions, Fogquest, 2009, www.fogquest.org/project-

information/projects/ecuador-early-projects/.

2. Olivier, Jana. "Fog harvesting: An alternative source of water supply on the West Coast of South

Africa." GeoJournal 61.2 (2004): 203.

3. Fessehaye, Mussie, et al. "The potential for scaling up a fog collection system on the eastern escarpment of

Eritrea." Mountain Research and Development 35.4 (2015): 365-373.

4. Ritter, Axel, Carlos M. Regalado, and Juan Carlos Guerra. "Quantification of Fog Water Collection in Three

Locations of Tenerife (Canary Islands)." Water 7.7 (2015): 3306-3319.

5. Grindle, M. S. and Hilderbrand, M. E. (1995), Building sustainable capacity in the public sector: What can be

done?. Public Admin. Dev., 15: 441–463. doi:10.1002/pad.4230150502

6. Eade, Deborah. Capacity Building: An Approach to People-Centered Development. Oxfam, 1995. (Capacity

Building)

7. Meijers, Frans, and Helen Kopnina. "Education for sustainable development (ESD)." International Journal of

Sustainability in Higher Education 15.2 (2014): 188-207.

8. Carter, Richard C., Sean F. Tyrrel, and Peter Howsam. "The impact and sustainability of community water supply

and sanitation programmes in developing countries." Water and Environment Journal 13.4 (1999): 292-296.

9. Sharma, Laxmi. “Case Study: Http://Development.asia/Case-Study/Community-Participation-Key-Water-Supply-

Success.” Development Asia, development.asia/case-study/community-participation-key-water-supply-success.

10. “Water Boards: Progress Report on Rural Development | PMG.” Parliamentary Monitoring Group, 17 Oct. 2006,

pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/7443/.

11. Namis, Nancy. Case Study on Rural Water Projects. The World Banks, Dec. 2009,

siteresources.worldbank.org/INTGENDER/Resources/336003-1256250409647/6499869-

1262121476990/CaseStudy_RuralWaterBelize.pdf.

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8 APPENDIX A: WATER BOARD STATUTES

ESTATUTO

DE LA JUNTA ADMINISTRADORA DE

AGUA POTABLE

YURAK UKSHA

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9 APPENDIX B: INTERNAL REGULATIONS OF THE WATER BOARD

FORMATO DE REGLAMENTO INTERNO

JUNTAS ADMINISTRADORAS DE AGUA POTABLE Y SANEAMIENTO (SAAPyS)

Y/O JUNTAS ADMINISTRADORAS DE AGUA POTABLE Y SANEAMIENTO

REGIONALES (SAAPySR)

2016

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