The Tingo Pucara water pumping system: a cultural case study in the Ecuadorean Andes

摘要

The potable water system in Tingo Pucara serves an indigenous community of approximately 100 people living in the Ecuadorean Andes, and is unique in both the daunting scale of its design and its extensive collaboration with in-country partners. As a result, the tri-chapter efforts of the Pittsburgh Professional, Carnegie Mellon University, and University of Pittsburgh Engineers Without Borders chapters that helped design the system were recognized with a 2012 EWB-USA Premier Project Award. At first, however, the sheer scope of building a single-stage pumping system powered by grid energy over 900 m of steep (＜ 37° slope), sandy mountain almost caused the project to be abandoned. Instead, the strong in-country support, including the non-governmental organization HCJB, a local Peace Corps volunteer, funding from the local municipality and electrical utility, and prodigious effort from the community of Tingo Pucara, supported the project to completion. Construction was not the only part of implementation; the chapter also had to navigate cultural expectations, develop an appropriate price point for household customers, and foster a water board that could care for the system throughout its lifetime. With the installation of the water system, the EWB team aims to improve the community's quality of life by reducing time spent gathering water and decreasing incidents of waterborne illness. Finally, the community water board will provide project sustainability as the water system moves forward.