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Preventing the destruction of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala and reducing the adverse impact on the environment are of significant public health and environmental concerns. It serves as an untreated source of drinking water for more than 70,000 people, and many communities living around the lake have no other choice than to use the water for both consumption and washing. The lake is a contaminated water source due to the large amounts of cyanobacteria in the water. If left unchecked, this will cause toxification of the lake, making it unsuitable for human use. The nutrients come from mismanaged wastewater entering the lake untreated and the inflow of fertilizers and displaced soil from cropland, which then enters and further toxifies the water supply. The discharge of untreated wastewater into Lake Atitlán is harming the ecosystem, and putting public health at risk. Recent findings show high levels of arsenic in breast milk from mothers in the department of Sololá pointing to dangerous contamination. Reducing the inflow of raw sewage and pollutants into the lake is more critical than ever.
There has been a long-standing commitment between D7910, Nueva Guatemala Rotary Club and Rotary Clubs of D7910. We have brought together a highly experienced team of grassroots specialists empowering local leaders to affect positive change in their communities mainly in the areas of ecology and education who will collaborate with Rotarians in the development and implementation of this project.
This global grant: Following our community-based management approach for the preservation of Lake Atitlán, we now propose a collaborative hands-on project in which community residents, Rotarians and Rotaractors will carry out a project to reduce household-level water contamination and protect Lake Atitlán's watershed by implementing decentralized grey and black water treatment systems, delivering household water filters, biodigesters, and promoting sustainable sanitation practices. Experts of Water4Life will support our efforts to enhance the impact of this project and will work closely with its implementation. This project will take place in Parracaná (Santa Lucía Utatlán) and Tzanjomel (Tzununá, Santa Cruz La Laguna) located in the northeast region of the Lake Atitlán basin, within the department of Sololá.
This project builds directly on the Community Needs Assessment (2024-25) conducted in Parracaná, Santa Lucía Utatlán, and Tzanjomel, which confirmed urgent needs in health, education, gender, income, and environment.
The assessment also identified existing resources that make the initiative feasible and sustainable. Water4Life emerged as a key implementing partner thanks to their six years of proven experience in the Lake Atitlán basin, where they have established training programs, monitoring systems, and educational initiatives. Their long-term presence and technical expertise ensure strong community trust and capacity for execution.
The local Cocodes of Santa Lucía Utatlán played an active role in the assessment by co-identifying priorities, providing technical staff for field visits, and confirming their commitment to implementation and follow-up. As a sustainability component, the municipality will contribute oversight, mobilization, and integration of the systems into local planning. Their involvement not only strengthens ownership but also creates a replicable model for municipal engagement in future projects across Guatemala.
The beneficiaries include over 400 families (approx. 2,000 people) who will directly receive filters and other families receiving 4 biodigestors, as well as the wider community in Tzanjomel benefiting from greywater plant upgrades. The model also positions the municipality as a co-responsible actor, strengthening governance and enabling this project to serve as a template for replication in other municipalities.
An educational component will ensure families and communities understand the intent and ecological importance of the project. Trainings will cover filter assembly and maintenance, safe sanitation practices, disease prevention, and the environmental benefits of protecting soils and water sources. By engaging schools, women educators, and local leaders, the program fosters both technical knowledge and community appreciation for long-term environmental stewardship
Project Objectives
a.Provide sustainable access to safe drinking water through the distribution of 400 household filters in Parracaná.
b. Safely treat grey and black water through the installation of 4 biodigestors in Santa Lucía Utatlán and upgrades to the greywater plant in Tzanjomel.
c. Empower women educators and local social workers to lead hygiene and ecological workshops, strengthening local capacity and reducing health risks.
d. Strengthen collaboration with the municipality of Santa Lucía Utatlán as a sustainability component. The municipality, which actively participated in the community assessment, will assist with mobilization, technical oversight, and long-term monitoring. Their involvement ensures institutional commitment and allows this initiative to serve as a model for future projects in other communities.
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