My Community
My Responsibility
Why is clean water and sanitation important?
We all need clean, fresh water to drink. We all need sanitary conditions for human waste to be disposed of safely. However, water and sanitation facilities are often scarce or unreliable in many Bay Island communities. This has a dire impact on the health of people and the environment.
Safe and readily available water is important to public health, whether it is used for drinking, domestic use, food production, or recreational purposes. Improving water supply and sanitation, as well as better management of water resources, can boost the economic growth of communities.
Why do we do it?
Since 2014, we have been working on improving water & sanitation in the Bay Islands. We work closely with water boards in the communities to identify needs, increase capacity, sustainable finance and improve infrastructure. In addition, we conduct environmental educational talks for children, young people and adults to increase awareness on the importance of clean water and sanitation management.
To date, we have worked in the communities of West End, Pensacola, Sandy Bay, Coxen Hole, Diamond Rock, Camp Bay, Punta Gorda and Saint Helene. Currently, we are at different levels of the process in these communities. From collecting baseline data through surveys to installing water meters to improve the management of this vital but limited resource.
To achieve this, we work together with volunteers, local government (Municipalities, ZOLITUR), local organizations (Polo's Water Association), the regulatory body of potable water and sanitation services (ERSAPS) and international donors (Coral Reef Alliance).
PENSACOLA, ROATAN
The results of our work are reflected in the numbers, this project was implemented in 2019:
-
644 members of the Pensacola community were sensitized in good water management and sanitation
-
70 socioeconomic surveys were conducted in Pensacola, Roatan
-
1 plan on differentiated tariff rates was developed to improve the financial sustainability of the community board
-
1 water network design by phases, the construction of the (first tranche) of the drinking water system and
-
1 rainwater harvesting system constructed at the Lunsford Johnson School
-
49 family-use septic wells were cleaned, equivalent to a reduction in wastewater pollution of 254,800 gallons
-
2 marine water quality testing was conducted before and after the implementation of the septic cleaning
Through this ongoing effort, we proceeded to work together with ERSAP, the municipality of Roatan, Coral Reef Alliance, and Polo’s Water Board to generate a diagnosis of the water and sanitation services of the community of Coxen Hole in the municipality of Roatan. Our community scientists collected socioeconomic information.
Despite these successes, our program continues to have challenges. Each year, funds must be raised to finance technical personnel, perform water quality sampling, purchase equipment for water and sanitation system improvements, and increase awareness.
CRAWFISH ROCK, ROATAN
The results of our work are reflected in the numbers, this project began in June 2023:
-
83 members of the Crawfish Rock community sensitized in good water management and sanitation to date
-
46 socioeconomic surveys were conducted to date in Crawfish Rock, Roatan
-
1 plan on differentiated tariff rates being developed to improve the financial sustainability of the community board
-
1 water network design by phases being developed
-
1 rainwater harvesting system being constructed
-
2 family-use septic wells were cleaned, equivalent to a reduction in wastewater pollution of 5200 gallons
-
1 potable water quality testing and marine water quality testing was conducted before the implementation of the septic cleaning
CAMP BAY, SANTOS GUARDIOLA
The results of our work are reflected in the numbers, this project began in November 2023:
​
1 plan on differentiated tariff rates being developed to improve the financial sustainability of the community board
How you can help?
Here's how you can contribute:
Get Informed
Inform the masses on the lack of equitable, safe and access to clean water and sanitation; which should be public health concern.
Awareness
Spread awareness on the scarcity of good water & sanitation service.
_edited_edited.png)
Donate
Support us by donating funds to change the norm by increasing access to clean water and sanitation to all
Ways to Give
Join us in protecting the stunning marine and coastal biodiversity of the Bay Islands in Honduras by supporting our conservation efforts and safeguarding the future of our oceans for generations to come.
