EWB Atlanta — Clean Water for San Julián Bajo, Bolivia
Every day 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; some illnesses end 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 build the pump, tanks, and piping that bring that clean water within a short walk of home.
The well is dug and the community is ready to build. The only thing standing between these families and clean water is the pipe in the ground — and that's where you come in. Be one of the heroes who finishes this. Your donation completes the system.
Details
Help us bring safe and reliable water to San Julián Bajo.
For the 40 families of San Julián Bajo, access to safe water is a daily challenge. Women and children spend hours each 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.
EWB-USA's Atlanta Professional Chapter is working with the community to change that.
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 is already complete: a deep well has been constructed to provide a dependable source of groundwater. Now the challenge is getting that water to the community.
The Project
EWB Atlanta has designed a water system that pumps water from the well to convenient community access points — giving families safe drinking water and dramatically shortening the distance they walk each day.
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 that water within reach.
- Done The invitation
- Oct 2025 We went and listened
- Done The well is drilled
- We are here Designing the system
- Your part Funding the build
- 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.
