In Tumaco, we have delivered water filters to three families to improve their health and reduce problems caused by drinking non-potable water, such as intestinal parasites. These families, made up of between three and five members, are in a situation of extreme vulnerability: they survive by working informally, selling, as construction helpers, carrying wood, washing clothes or shelling (particularly the women who travel kilometers inside the mangrove to extract shellfish, a high-risk job).
The filter contains a pot of clay, sawdust and colloidal silver that works as a disinfectant, retaining bacteria long enough to kill them and purify the water. In addition to the vessel, the filter is made up of a large, covered water container to prevent the water from being contaminated or insects from entering and with a stopcock that allows the water to be consumed.
With the delivery, members of Global Humanitaria gave instructions on how to use the filter and how to keep it in adequate hygienic conditions so that they can use it as long as possible. The team will oversee monitoring and answering questions about the operation.
NO ACCESS TO DRINKING WATER
Although Colombia has important water resources, it has serious pollution problems that limit its availability for human consumption. It is estimated that the supply of drinking water in the urban area does not exceed 35%, the coverage of the sewage system is less than 15%, and the percentage of domestic wastewater discharged into rivers and streams is close to 60%.
Tumaco does not have an aqueduct service that provides drinking water. In this part of the Nariño coast, the historical neglect of the State has meant that the population lacks quality public services, including the aqueduct and sewage system.
Poor water quality has caused different pathologies in the population, putting boys and girls at special risk. According to the Colombian Red Cross, 35% of the minors who live there have developed waterborne diseases that affect their development and growth.
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