One of the many things we hope to have on our property is a safe source of water. For this we will be drilling a well and hope to provide a constant safe supply of water for our community. Contaminated water is one of the leading reasons for malnutrition in Guatemala. Studies show this can change just by having a clean water source.
On January 15, 2020 this vision became a reality as not only did we drill and strike water, the driller hit an artisan vein. The water has been flowing ever since.
The high incidence of malnutrition within indigenous populations is a direct result of poor water sanitation and limited access to clean water. According to the MOH, about 98% of the water sources in Guatemala are contaminated. Disease and malnutrition are highly correlated with one another; both are causes and consequences of each other. In order to improve the health system and reduce the prevalence of malnutrition, easy availability of safe drinking water, together with disease treatment and prevention, are critical for the survival of Guatemalan children. Improvement must be implemented at the community level, by renovating infrastructures in order to provide piped water and sanitary operations for the residents.
One consequence of malnutrition and undernourishment is the degradation of cognitive performance, which can be studied and observed through schoolchildren and their performance in an educational setting. This can generally be observed in poorer settings. In poverty stricken areas of Guatemala, inadequate nutrient intake can lead to higher disease rates, which can in turn expedite the poverty cycle. (Wikipedia)