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Santa Caterina |
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| Water
System |
Santa
Catarina is a Paipai Indian community with some 80 families (service
connections) and a population of approximately 350.
The community is located eight kilometers by dirt road from
Mexico Highway 3, east of Ensenada in Baja California, Mexico. The community obtains its drinking water
from a main collection basin which holds water from a stream originating
from a spring. There is no
fencing around the collection basin and it is commonly used by cattle,
goats, coyotes and other animals. The
water from the collection basin is not treated or filtered.
A gasoline pump elevates water via a 3.5 inch steel pipe to a
main concrete reservoir, 8265 gallons (17’ x 13’ x 5’), and then
the water is delivered via 3 inch PVC water line via gravity to the
distribution system. Previously,
the community had a solar system operating, however, due to pump
problems it was more cost effective to switch over to gasoline as they
await electricity in 2006. The
community also has an inactive old concrete reservoir, 8,800 gallons
(6’x14’x14’) however it is not used due to the location and low
elevation. There is also a hand dug well with a
non-operational windmill. The
windmill well is a hand dug well with a 4-foot square concrete casing,
4-foot diameter concrete casing, no cover and no concrete aprons around
the well to prevent the contamination.
The depth to groundwater was 8.5 feet.
The well provides water for three homes. Water quality data obtained since January 1996 has
consistently shown the presence of fecal coliform bacteria (Wilken
Robertson, 1996). The
following table is a brief summary of water quality monitoring of the
distribution system; additional samples taken in the past years have
shown similar water quality results.
na-not
analyzed * NOTE: Microbiological data generated by the JA JAN Coalition with the assistance of CUNA, Aqualink, and trained community members The water system from the collection basin is
contaminated with Total Coliform and E. coli bacteria. Water sampling of
the collection basin has consistently shown bacteriological
contamination and high turbidity.
The stream collection basin is exposed to the environment; dirt,
bird feces, and fecal matter from livestock and wildlife.
The collection basin is partially fenced and should be completely
fenced off to prevent livestock and wildlife from entering.
The water produced by the collection basin is not treated or
filtered. The windmill well is contaminated with Total
Coliform and E. coli bacteria. The well does not have a surface apron
constructed to prevent surface water from flowing toward the well.
Because of the construction, contaminants are easily picked up
manually with the use of a contaminated bucket.
The well is exposed to the environment; dirt, bird feces, and
fecal matter from cattle and may be blown or drained into the well.
The water produced by the well is not treated or filtered.
Analytical testing and a sanitary survey have
determined that the continuing cause of the contamination appears to
stem from the water sources. Drinking
water with coliform and E. coli bacteria is a health risk and could
cause serious illness. Until
water system improvements are made, all water should be boiled before
consumption. Water System Improvement Recommendations The proposed solution to improve the water system would be to construct a drilled water supply well and chlorination treatment and tie into the existing distribution system. This would replace the current contaminated drinking water supply with a water supply that meets drinking water standards. By the time of implementation of these improvements the community should have electricity.
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