collecting acid mine drainage samples

Water Quality Analysis in the Altiplano

Terra is partnering with Stanford University and Bolivian organizations to comprehensively test the quality of drinking and irrigation water from wells, a necessary component of developing water resources that is often neglected.

poor water quality

Need

During a recent project, Terra expressed concern to a Bolivian water development organization that tapping spring water without testing its quality can create unknown risks. The Bolivian responded, “There is no such thing as drinkable water in Bolivia.” Terra, however, thinks differently.

Water bubbling from springs or pumped from wells is not always healthy. Some water is clean, some contains pathogens that cause dysentery, and others harbor high concentrations of harmful elements like arsenic. Unfortunately, most water is either not tested or it is analyzed only for pathogens. Heavy metals and other unhealthy chemicals are neglected, even though the risk they pose to human health is well documented.

The quality of water is not comprehensively tested because most organizations and communities developing water either are unaware of the need to conduct all the tests or they cannot afford to pay the cost.

Project

Terra is partnering with Stanford University, the Technical University of Oruro, and a local water resource development company to collect and analyze the drinking and irrigation water of 30 communities in the Altiplano. If results suggest people are at risk, Terra will publicize the problem, help educate and train organizations to perform necessary tests, and instigate a cross-organization dialog about appropriate water filtration solutions. Terra will also use the results to target communities for future water development projects. This project will begin in August, 2009.

Goals

  1. To conduct a comprehensive heavy metal water quality analysis in 30 communities
  2. To educate and train local communities, governments, and water development organizations about comprehensive water quality testing
  3. To use the results to help target future water development projects
  4. To instigate a dialogue with other organizations about innovative, cost-effective solutions for water purification

Results

It is critical that people become aware of water quality problems if risks are present. With this in mind, Terra will communicate the results of this project to the public, communities, and other key groups through the following avenues:

  1. Provide the data to the public, local municipalities, and communities via media developed for local communities and the web tool Google Earth
  2. Conduct a workshop with the Technical University of Oruro and municipal governments on the hazards of water contaminated with heavy metals
  3. Form the basis of a thesis for the Bolivian and Stanford student, if appropriate
  4. Publish the results in a scientific journal, if appropriate

Partnerships

This project includes three partnerships:

  1. Stanford University: An undergraduate student will help collect and analyze the samples, the results of which may be the foundation of a thesis; Stanford will provide low-cost access to the analysis laboratory.
  2. AguaSubT: A Bolivian water development company will accompany Terra to communities where it has previously worked.
  3. Technical University of Oruro: A professor and student from this Bolivian University will help collect the samples and help educate the communities and other water development organizations about heavy metal contamination.

Cost

This project will cost a total of $5,000 – $7,000. Terra will leverage Stanford’s involvement by analyzing the samples at Stanford’s lab at a reduced cost.

Project Brief
Title:
Water Quality Testing in the Altiplano
Financial Support:
Terra contributes $5,000-$7,000; Standford provides student and chemical analysis; subsequent phases will have Bolivian contribution
Status:
In progress
Location:
Altiplano region of the Bolivian Andes
Participants:
TERRA, Stanford University, University of Oruro