Trine University students again tackling water supply challenges in rural Ecuador

The Trine University Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Student Chapter has been awarded an exciting new project to improve the water supply system in Tuntatacto, Ecuador.

This rural community of 1,200 people, located in the picturesque Andes highlands about 130 miles south of Quito, relies heavily on agriculture and livestock, including crops like corn, beans, onions and potatoes, and animals such as chickens, cows, rabbits and guinea pigs.

The community's primary drinking water source is a spring on the slopes of a mountain adjacent to the inactive Chimborazo volcano. Water flows by gravity to storage tanks at the base of the mountain before being distributed to residents.

However, during the dry season, the spring's flow is insufficient to meet the community’s needs. Additionally, sediment and clogging issues in the distribution system have caused concerns about water quality.

Although an alternative water source higher in the mountains has been identified, its heavy sediment load makes it unsuitable for drinking.

Assessing the situation

This summer, a dedicated team from Trine University will travel to Tuntatacto to assess the situation and collaborate with the community.

During the visit, students and faculty will survey the existing water system, perform water quality and flow rate tests, evaluate the conditions of current and proposed water catchment systems, and investigate the feasibility of developing a sustainable new water source.

The findings will inform the design of sustainable improvements to ensure a reliable, clean water supply for Tuntatacto. Once plans are finalized, the team will return to oversee construction and provide support, empowering the community with a lasting solution.

Students resolved similar issues

This initiative builds on the success of the chapter’s 2022 project in Ecuador, where Trine students resolved similar water supply challenges in a neighboring community. That project brought together 15 students who provided engineering expertise and hands-on construction assistance to create a dependable water system.

Engineers Without Borders USA is a nonprofit humanitarian organization with more than 200 chapters and 10,000 volunteers, having completed more than 1,100 successful projects worldwide. Projects like these not only transform communities but also provide students with invaluable real-world engineering experience and the opportunity to make a global difference.

The Trine University EWB Chapter is seeking funding to assist with travel, materials and project implementation. For more information or to contribute, please contact Tim Tyler, Ph.D., faculty advisor, at 260-665-4821 or tylert@trine.edu.

Learn more about Engineers Without Borders at ewb-usa.org.