UCL students help to bring clean water to Mexico

Harvesting Water for the Future documents a project undertaken by the UCL Engineering Without Borders (EWB) Mexico team in summer 2014 to improve water quality for those living in the city of San Miguel de Allende.

Formed by three UCL students, Gabriela May Lagunes (UCL Physics and Astronomy), Alex Zardis (UCL Barlett School of Architecture) and Laura Biesold (Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering), the team installed and repaired 13 rainwater-harvesting systems in the schools and clinics of 11 different communities.

"The project was very important as the levels of fluoride and arsenic in this particular area are between five and 10 times higher than the international norm, often leading to health issues such as fluorosis, renal insufficiency and cancer from an early age," said Gabriela, project coordinator.

Systems that aimed to provide secure, drinkable water were initially installed by IRRI Mexico (a non-governmental organisation) in 2007, led by current UCL Teaching Fellow Ilan Adler (UCL Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering). However, in 2012, the majority of systems were abandoned due to a lack of engagement between the local authorities and the local community.

So in 2013, once again with the support of Ilan and IRRI Mexico, UCL EWB put together a new team to revisit the project and work to make it more sustainable. Before installing and repairing the systems, the team needed to fundraise all of the resources required and get consent from the locals.

"Engaging with the local community was a really big challenge", Gabriela explained. "It was beyond overcoming the language barrier - it was about being empathetic enough to understand the way people live and think, and resilient enough to work efficiently in those conditions. However, in every community, the locals played a key role in our work."

The project benefited from support from UCL Engineering, which provided significant funding and advice throughout. The scheme also received funding from the UCL Public Engagement Unit and the UCL Chadwick Trust.

More than 450 people now have access to secure, drinkable water thanks to the work, and the team is now working towards more long-term goals.

"Working on this project has been truly fulfilling and insightful, and it's given me a new perspective on the reality and challenges of the country that I am originally from," Gabriela added.

"But the project isn't over - the idea is to reach a point where our assistance is no longer needed and the local community can keep the systems functioning themselves."

Harvesting Water for the Future will be screened as part of 'Harvesting Water: A Project for Mexico's Development' - an event taking place on 10 December from 7.30-9pm in Drayton B20, Jevons LT. The event will also feature an open panel discussion about the challenges and reality of Mexico, as well as a small reception.