Improving water security through rainwater harvesting: a case from Guatemala and the potential for expanding coverage |
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| Authors: | Laureen Elgert Patricia Austin Katherine Picchione |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Social Science and Policy Studies, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA, USA;2. Division of Watershed Management, Office of Water Supply, Massachusetts Department of Conservation, USA;3. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA, USA |
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| Abstract: | Municipal infrastructure for water supply and delivery often does not reach populations in rural and peri-urban areas. This article examines rainwater harvesting as a means of increasing water security in such areas, through the case of Guachtuq, a peri-urban community outside San Cristóbal, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. The project team designed a rainwater harvesting system to improve three dimensions of water security: quantity, quality and access. The design was implemented for 12 households and evaluated for its contribution to water security and for the potential of expanding project coverage to the region and beyond. The system has improved water security. Several concerns remain, however, regarding the potential of expanding the project to other households in the region and beyond, including system cost, water quality and the individualization of public responsibility for water security. |
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| Keywords: | Water security rainwater harvesting systems drinking water quality access to water impact evaluation Guatemala |
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