Policarpo Galindo Water Project

Total Project Cost: $148,350

Project Location: Policarpo, Roatán, Honduras

Community Background

The Policarpo Galindo community covers sixty-five acres of steep terrain on the island of Roatán, Honduras, and is home to approximately 800 families. Most residents work in tourism or construction-related trades connected to the island’s resort economy. Despite this proximity to development, the community faces a high unemployment rate of about 34.7%.

The local water system, managed by the community water committee, currently serves approximately 450 homes through fixed household connections.

Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) Concerns

The existing water system is supplied by three groundwater wells that flow to a central location (Pozo Central) for chlorination. Key components include three wells, two booster pumps, one in-line booster pump, a 65,000-gallon gravity flow tank, and a network of PVC distribution piping.

Although the existing wells operate and produce roughly 49,000 gallons per day, families often receive water only every 10–20 days due to increased demand, system leaks, and pressure imbalances caused by the community’s steep terrain. These challenges have led to inequitable water distribution and supply shortfalls.

2025 Project Overview

In collaboration with the Policarpo Galindo Water Committee, Clinica Esperanza, and Arch Group Well Drilling, WEFTA developed a multi-phase project to expand water supply capacity, improve system performance, and strengthen community management to ensure long-term sustainability.

Project Progress

Phase 1 – Completed ($78,000):
WEFTA, working with Arch Group Well Drilling, Patronato (community council), water committee, and the community, successfully drilled three new groundwater wells to expand the community’s water supply.

• Well #1: Produces approximately 32 gallons per minute.
• Well #2: Produces approximately 30 gallons per minute.
• Well #3 (Zapote Well): Drilled to a depth of 500 feet and currently offline pending rehabilitation to improve yield and water quality.

The two new wells in production have significantly increased production capacity and improved reliability, forming a solid foundation for the next phase of system improvements.

Phase 2 & 3 – Fundraising Underway

The next stage of the project will focus on improving system efficiency, distribution performance, and long-term management capacity. Planned activities include:

• Rehabilitation of the Zapote well and integration into the active water supply network.
• Leak detection, pipeline renovation, and targeted repairs throughout the distribution network.
• Installation of pressure zone meters, pressure-reducing valves (PRVs), and household water meters to better manage and balance system flow.
• Continued training for the community water committee in system operation, preventive maintenance, financial administration, and data logging for wells and meters.

Once completed, these improvements will stabilize system pressure, reduce water loss, and ensure every household receives an equitable and reliable water supply.

Sustainability Considerations

WEFTA and the newly reorganized Policarpo Galindo Water Committee will continue to monitor water production, distribution pressures, and system performance. Annual evaluations will verify water use, payment collection, and preventive maintenance activities. WEFTA engineers will also perform follow-up visits to support long-term O&M and mentor local operators and technicians.

WEFTA Volunteers

WEFTA continues to provide engineering design, construction oversight, and post-construction follow-up, representing roughly 15% of the total project cost through in-kind technical support and volunteer expertise.

If you would like additional information about this project, please contact us.