A Sustainable, Low-Maintenance Design
Honduras Project: Water Systems
Each village water system is designed by Honduran engineer Arnoldo Alvarez and his team. Built with bricks, cement, and PVC pipes, the system is powered entirely by gravity—no electricity required. Arnoldo’s designs have stood the test of time, with many still functioning decades later.
Every year, a clean mountain spring is located at an elevation above the village. To protect the water source from future contamination, the village purchases the surrounding land. The spring feeds into a cement collection box with two outlets—one for clean water, and one to drain sediment.
Water flows downhill through 3.5-inch PVC pipes, buried about 50 cm deep to protect them from damage. Along the way, pressure is carefully regulated to prevent pipe bursts, using concrete pressure boxes where needed. As the system branches out through the community, pipe sizes gradually decrease to 2", 1", and ¾".
Each participating household receives a faucet with access to clean, running water.
Every system includes at least one large storage tank, built above the village. It holds a full day's water supply and helps regulate pressure. The tank is round, constructed with bricks and mortar, sealed with cement, and covered to prevent contamination. If needed, a chlorine drip system can be added for water purification.
Before the team departs, local men are trained in system construction and maintenance. One is selected as the village water caretaker, supported by a small annual contribution from each household. Extra materials are provided for future repairs. While the system is designed to last 20+ years, Arnoldo’s first build is still going strong more than two decades later.