WATER AND ENVIRONMENT

Program Overview (1997-2005)

Residents of Usulutan participate in a training session at two water reservoirs.  Sessions were part of the AGUA Project.  Photo by Chemonics International.

Under its strategy that began in 1997 and ended in September 2005, USAID helped El Salvador to increase rural residents’ access to safe water in 18 targeted municipalities. The program’s objectives included: (a) improving micro-watersheds through the promotion of high-value, non-traditional crops that are less detrimental to the environment than traditional crops; (b) expanding the number of water distribution systems that provide rural communities with clean water; and (c) carrying out education campaigns to increase understanding of the causes and consequences of unclean water and the solutions for obtaining clean water.

USAID programs contributed to the following achievements:

• Access to clean water: over 173,000 people gained access to clean water, which represents 65 percent of households in project areas. Over 12,800 farmers are using environmentally friendly practices on 35,600 hectares (89,000 acres), preserving and increasing the quality of available fresh water.
  


• Improvement of water service: USAID provided funds for the construction of 125 self-sufficient, modern and potable water systems; the establishment of a tariff structure aimed to support the system with metered household connections; and training for local water board members.
  


• Implementation of conservation practices: farmers implemented soil and forest conservation practices on 20,394 hectares (50,985 acres) and integrated farming practices on 6,266 hectares (15,666 acres) in order to increase the quantity and quality of water.
  


• Citizen education and direct training: citizen participation in water related discussions increased through education efforts and the direct training of 13,962 members of local organizations. A total of 439,505 people (or 99 percent of the targeted population) increased their awareness of the causes and consequences of unclean water.
  


• Development of water management plans: the 18 targeted municipalities have developed water management plans that include provisions on critical watershed management within their jurisdiction. Forty-three municipal water related ordinances have been issued.
  


• Building of water reservoirs: USAID provided funds to build 13 water reservoirs to better manage water resources. These systems include an infiltration galleria to divert surface waters in streams and/or brooks, as well as a 1,000m3 reservoir and a drop drainage system. According to data, the investment on water reservoirs can be recuperated in a five year period.
  


• Solid and liquid waste management: over 15,000 rural families have benefited from solid and liquid waste sound management projects, developed through modern and efficient treatment plants and sanitary landfills that promote recycling . Six industries are using clean technologies.



• Construction of waste treatment plants: two solid waste treatment plants in slaughterhouses were constructed. The plants benefit the Jiquilisco and Cacaopera communities, using new solid waste technology for the first time in El Salvador.
  


• Establishment of an agriculture association: USAID helped establish and legalize the Agriculture Association of Southern Usulutan, which is now working with small farmers.