From Filthy Water to Fresh

Grandma Asunción (ah-SOON’-see-un) and her husband are raising their granddaughter Daniela in remote  community in Mexico. Their greatest challenge has been  finding clean water.
 
“The water situation was harsh,” said Asunción. Many times we got stomach sickness.  We saw cattle in the water using it as a bathroom.  The water was murky and sometimes it smelled like urine. And we had to drink that!”  

Grandma had to walk long distances to get the little bit of water she could find.  Sometimes that meant multiple trips per day.  “The path to get water was narrow,” she added.  “We went down hills and then climbed up hills. It was a hard climb that took lots of time.  As I got older and carried water, it grew more difficult because the load feels heavier.”
 
“The water gave me pains in my belly. My tummy hurts every day,” said 7-year-old Daniela.
 
“I often wondered if the water would make Daniela so sick she might die,” recalled Grandma.     

Then Operation Blessing came to their community and built a rainwater harvesting system that collects and stores up to 1300 gallons of water. We then added purification and pipes to bring fresh water to Asuncion’s home.  “Having water at our house means I no longer have to carry it! I am just so happy!” declared Grandma.  “Now I can take a bath because we have enough water.  I can drink the water too!” said Daniela.  “Gracias!”