Clean Water for San Julián Bajo, Bolivia

EWB Atlanta —

$41,200Raised
of $80,000 goal
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In San Julián Bajo, Bolivia, women and children walk for hours to fill containers from shallow ponds they share with cattle. The water makes people sick with some illnesses ending in the hospital. It is the single largest drain on this community's time and health.

A deep well has already been drilled. Engineers Without Borders Atlanta is now working alongside the 40 families of San Julián Bajo to install a pump, tanks, and piping that bring that clean water within a short walk of their homes.

Be one of the heroes who helps make this a reality for the people.

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The Challenge

For the 150 people of San Julián Bajo, access to safe water is a daily challenge. Women and children spend hours a day walking to collect water, often from shallow ponds shared with livestock and contaminated with animal waste. Waterborne illnesses are common and sometimes require hospitalization.

A shallow pond in San Julián Bajo used as a water source, shared with livestock A child filling a container from a turbid spring

The Assessment

During a 2025 assessment trip, EWB Atlanta volunteers surveyed households, evaluated local conditions and water sources, and worked with community members to identify a solution that would be both technically sound and sustainable.

An important first step has already been completed: a deep well has been constructed to provide a dependable source of groundwater. Now the challenge is getting that water to the community.

The Solution

EWB Atlanta has designed a water system that pumps water from the well and pipes it to convenient community access points— giving families safe drinking water and dramatically shortening the distance they walk each day.

EWB Team discussing details with community leaders Map of the proposed system showing the well, storage tanks and pipe routes

Our engineers evaluated several alternatives with an emphasis on affordability, reliability, maintainability and the community's ability to operate the system for years to come. The total project is expected to cost $80,000, mostly for a well pump, storage tanks and piping. EWB Atlanta volunteers donate their engineering expertise and time.

More Than a Water Project

Reliable access to water means more than convenience and better community health. Time that families currently spend fetching water can instead be spent at school, at work, and caring for each other. An underground source also reduces reliance on surface water vulnerable to contamination.

Most importantly, this project is being developed with San Julián Bajo, not simply for it. Residents are involved in planning and decision-making, and will perform most of the installation, operation, and maintenance of the completed system.

The well is there. The community is ready. The engineering work is being finalized. Now we need your help to complete the system that will bring the water within reach of the families of San Julián Bajo.

A mother and two children outside their home in San Julián Bajo A resident of San Julián Bajo during the household survey A family outside their adobe home in San Julián Bajo A resident of San Julián Bajo sitting in their home

Every contribution moves the project closer to construction. Your support will help fund the materials, equipment and local construction services needed to build a system designed to serve this community for years to come.

Please join EWB Atlanta in helping this community with your contribution.

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  1. Done The invitation
  2. Oct 2025 We went and listened
  3. Done The well is drilled
  4. We are here Designing the system
  5. Your part Funding the build
  6. Fall 2027 – Spring 2028 Water arrives

The well is drilled and the design is nearly finished.
Construction begins as soon as the $80,000 goal is met.