Water Is Life in Pozo Colorado
Published on December 23rd
Imagine a mother no longer having to worry about finding water or boiling it to ensure it is clean and safe for her children. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our partners and supporters, this is now a reality for families in the Paraguayan Chaco.
At San Isidro Labrador Residential School (SIL), located in Pozo Colorado, Paraguay, a significant milestone was accomplished with the completion of the WASH project. This initiative reflects the Lasallian mission of promoting human dignity through education and service. The project currently supports over 600 people and directly benefits kids and teachers at Gral. Patricio Colman Elementary School, as well as Pozo Colorado National School.
The region presents challenging climatic and topographic conditions that often affect daily life, particularly access to safe drinking water. Prolonged periods of drought, combined with high temperatures, make water storage especially challenging, placing an ongoing burden on local communities.
With limited access to potable water, relying mainly on salt water from artesian wells and other contaminated water sources. These systems help meet an estimated monthly demand of 1,200,000 liters, ensuring that students, educators, and staff can live, learn, and work in safe and dignified conditions. Beyond drinking water, this resource is vital for food preparation, laundry, personal hygiene, sanitation, and sewage management, fundamental elements for health, education, and community life.
Beyond drinking water, this resource is vital for food preparation, laundry, personal hygiene, sanitation, and sewage management, fundamental elements for health, education, and community life.
Considering the magnitude of the project, which directly benefits 600 individuals, the initiative was developed in three phases. Phase 1 focused on water collection and storage, improving water quality, and strengthening the systems for collection, pumping, purification, and distribution. Phase 2 focused on constructing infrastructure for water purification and distribution, ensuring reliable operation and extending the system’s lifespan by over 50 years.
The former piping system had deteriorated significantly, resulting in leaks, water loss, frequent repairs, and an increased risk of contamination and mosquito infestation. Phase 3 centered on safe water distribution and watershed restoration. The new underground network now enables secure distribution and effective management of potable water.
All the students at San Isidro Labrador School in Pozo Colorado now have access to clean, drinkable water every day! Through this project, water has become more than a resource it has become a source of life, health, and hope, strengthening the Lasallian commitment to care for the most vulnerable and to foster environments where education and human development can truly flourish.
If you would like to continue supporting life-giving projects like this one, we invite you to join us in our mission. Your generosity helps bring dignity, opportunity, and hope to communities most in need.