La Reserva, Darien, Panama
Since the founding of the community in 1967, the community of La Reserva has only enjoyed clean water in their homes for a total of 15 days. This was the result of a well-intentioned, but ultimately ineffective water project conducted by a government agency in 2011. Our team has completed the first phases of a new water system that has given the people of La Reserva water in their homes once again. Our team installed a new pump, solar panels, and distribution lines, and moved the community water tank to the top of a hill where water can be gravity-fed to the houses in the community.
Through the efforts of this project, Solea Water sees a brighter future for the people of La Reserva. This future includes improved health, decreased infant mortality, decreased waterborne illnesses, increased time in the classroom for students, and an overall increase in the quality of life for the people of La Reserva.
Population: 80
Local Partner: Sportsxchange
PROJECT: SOLAR POWERED WATER SYSTEM
Projected Budget: $8,000
Project details
Phase 1
Alan and his team assess the community to determine the optimal water system solution. It was determined that the community water tank would be moved to the top of a hill where water can be gravity-fed to the houses in the community. A solar powered water system would be used to provide clean water.
phase 2
The team worked with the community to find a suitable location for a river-bank infiltration well that can be used to supplement the water supply in the dry season when the current intake does not produce enough water to meet the community’s demand.
Phase 3
Community members and Solea’s team labor to implement the new water system design. Solar panels, a new pump, and distribution lines are installed and La Reserva has running clean water.
ongoing work
Clean water is provided in La Reserva through a system that is used & maintained appropriately. Evaluation of project implementation is an ongoing process and Solea Water maintains a long-term relationship with the community.
Project fUNDING
This project is funded by donations to Solea Water, 100% of which go straight to the field. We want to send a special thank you to Carrie Weston and her family, whose contributions made this project possible.
Field Notes
Field Notes from Carrina, an intern visiting La Reserva in 2022:
When visiting La Reserva in May 2022, Solea’s team came to replace the old water filter. As an intern visiting an Indigenous community in Panama for the first time, I was in awe of the people in this community. That day was stormy and wet. Knowing little Spanish, I only had limited conversations with the women in the community. One of the women was my age and had two small children she introduced me to. As I talked to her, the jungle roared with the sound of thunder, “trueno,” the Spanish word for thunder, is what she taught me. Unphased by the storm, the lady left me to play with her children, enjoying the bag of grapes I had brought to them. That day I was grateful for Solea Water’s support for the community. My hope is for the women and children in La Reserva to forever have access to clean water.