© Far East Focus 2021
Qietuo School Water Project
The original water source for this rural elementary school of 700 students dried
up. Since then, for years, the school had relied on a pipe laid in a gulley to
provide water. Animals grazed that valley so each time it rained feces and
other debris would drain into that water pipe and that’s what the students
would drink from each day.
This project, completed in 2021, provided an entirely new water supply from a
protected, developed spring 4 kilometers into the mountains above the school.
Water was piped underground to the school where a new storage tank was
constructed. Water from the tank was then distributed to the school. Students
and teachers now have clean, reliable water to drink all year round!
Lack of Water
Students struggled daily to find water to drink.
The water was filled with E-coli and other contaminants
Students suffered from frequent stomach and intenstinal issues due to the
polluted water they were drinking.
The main pipeline
The main pipleline is 4 kilomters long connecting the spring tank to the school
water storage tank.
Spring Development
The water source at the mountain spring was developed by protecting the area
around the spring to keep animals out and installing a fully protected spring
catchment that prevents contamination of the water.
Quality Construction
The tank and all components of the system are well constructed for long life
and durability.
New Water Storage Tank
The new water storage tank acts as a buffer to meet the daily instantaneous
demand. The spring flow is not adequate to meet the instantaneous demand
of the school, so this tank fills continually so that teh school is never without
water.
Students enjoying the clean water
In past years, students struggled to find enough water for drinking, bathing,
cleaning dishes, etc. Now, water is plentiful and clean.
Preparing meals for students
The school kitchen prepares meals for students each day. The new water
supply allows for preparation of more food using clean water.
Hygiene Training
All students in the school were provided basic hygiene training including
information on why good hygiene is important, bathing, brushing teeth, good
sanitation (using the toilet), preventing disease transmission, etc. Each
student also received a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and a wash cloth.
