Bringing Clean Water to Comalapa: Hero School’s 8th Grade Water Tank Project
The Water Crisis in Comalapa: A Daily Struggle
For families in Comalapa, Guatemala, access to clean water is a constant challenge. The region faces prolonged dry seasons, and municipal water is unreliable, often leaving families without running water for days or even weeks. Many must walk long distances to collect water from contaminated sources, exposing them to serious health risks, including gastrointestinal illnesses caused by bacteria, pesticides, and waste runoff.
With over 70% of the population living in poverty, few can afford expensive filtration systems. Instead, water must be boiled before drinking, which requires firewood, exacerbating deforestation and indoor air pollution. The lack of water access impacts hygiene, food preparation, and overall quality of life, making everyday survival an uphill battle.
A Student-Led Solution: Water Tanks for Families in Need
From May 19-23, 2025, Hero School’s 8th-grade students will take on this critical issue by building water storage tanks for families in need. These tanks allow families to store up to 1,100 liters (5 barrels) of water, ensuring they have access to a steady supply even when municipal water is unavailable.
How These Water Tanks Work
✅ Built with ferrocement for durability, affordability, and long-term use
✅ Holds up to 1,100 liters of water, reducing the need for frequent collection
✅ Reduces dependency on unreliable municipal water systems
✅ Helps families safely store clean water for cooking, drinking, and hygiene
Why Ferrocement?
Ferrocement is a cost-effective, durable, and sustainable building method ideal for water storage solutions. It consists of a thin layer of reinforced concrete applied over a metal mesh framework, providing high strength with minimal material use.
✅ Long-Lasting: Ferrocement structures are resistant to cracks, leaks, and wear, ensuring decades of use.
✅ Eco-Friendly: Requires less cement than traditional concrete, reducing carbon footprint.
✅ Affordable: Uses locally available materials, making it a low-cost solution for families in need.
✅ Waterproof & Safe: Designed specifically to prevent contamination and evaporation of stored water.
The Environmental and Social Impact
Providing families with water storage tanks creates long-lasting benefits:
💧 Improves Health: Reduces the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses by allowing families to store and boil clean water.
🔥 Reduces Firewood Consumption: Less frequent boiling means lower firewood use, reducing deforestation and indoor air pollution.
⏳ Saves Time & Energy: Families—especially women and children—spend less time collecting water.
🌱 Increases Resilience: Water storage makes households more prepared for long dry seasons and inconsistent supply.
How You Can Help
These student-led projects require community support to make a lasting impact! Here’s how you can contribute:
💰 Donate: Help us purchase materials like cement, pipes, and metal mesh framework.
🤝 Volunteer: Assist students in the hands-on construction process and support community education.
📢 Spread Awareness: Share this initiative to connect us with more donors and service groups.
With your support, we can provide families with a basic human necessity—clean, accessible water.
📅 Project Dates: May 19-23, 2025
🌍 Be part of the solution—Donate or Volunteer!
