Drinking Water from a Hole in the Ground  

Twelve-year-old María lives with her family in the Andes Mountains of Peru – more than 13,000 feet above sea level. Her father provides for them by farming and raising cows. But their biggest challenge is finding clean water to drink.

María explained, “I go to collect water in large bottles. It is so difficult and tiring. And the water is not clean or treated. It smells.” 

Their main source of drinking water is a hole in the ground, which collects rainwater. It is contaminated due to exposure. When it dries up, they have to find other water sources.   

María’s dad, Vicente, said he sees his children get sick a lot from the bad water – and worries that their lives might be in danger.

He told us, “My daughters always get diarrhea. I am afraid they might get really sick, so we take them to the health clinic. Then I have to find money to pay for medicine. But as a dad I will do anything to help them.”  

Then Operation Blessing came to the community to build a new water system. We found a water source and ran a pipe to a large, elevated tank where the water is treated. Then using solar power, we deliver clean drinking water to homes around the area. 

“Thanks to Operation Blessing,” said Vicente, “the water is close to my house. I feel very proud to have this system. I am not afraid any longer for my daughters.”  

María added, “Now I can cook, wash, and have cold water to drink. Thank you!”