Water Blogged

Project Review
Our implementing partner, Cova, will install a water treatment system—known as the Sistema Combinado (Combined System)—at the local school to ensure students have consistent access to safe, clean drinking water. This innovative two-stage system first reduces turbidity (removing particles to make the water clear) and then eliminates harmful bacteria, functioning as a compact water treatment plant tailored to the school’s needs.Cova technicians will carry out the installation in collaboration with students and parents, using the process as an educational opportunity to teach them how the system works and how to maintain it properly. To extend the benefits beyond the school, Cova will also install a community water chlorinator, ensuring that students have access to safe water at home as well—significantly reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses and supporting improved attendance and overall student health.

Following installation, Program Manager Oneida Lara will implement a water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) curriculum designed specifically for students. She will continue to visit the school monthly to work alongside teachers, reinforcing best practices around safe water use and hygiene.

To ensure the ongoing safety and effectiveness of the system, Cova will conduct post-installation water quality testing through its laboratory in Marcala. With over 10 years of experience delivering sustainable water solutions and long-term monitoring across Central America, Cova is committed to providing reliable, community-based approaches that improve health outcomes and educational opportunities.

Performed Activities
The project began with a comprehensive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) assessment at the school to identify existing gaps and opportunities for improvement. This was followed by a collaborative meeting with the school’s Parents’ Association, during which the Combined System project was presented. As a result, the community committed to constructing the support structure for the water tanks—an essential component of the system. Cova provided technical oversight throughout the construction of the elevated tank platform to ensure quality and safety standards were met. A detailed bill of materials and cost estimate was prepared to guide procurement, and all necessary materials for the Combined System were purchased with attention to both cost-efficiency and timely delivery. Once all components were ready, the water tanks were transported from the Marcala office to the school in Los Planes. With everything in place, the Combined System was successfully installed, significantly improving access to safe water and sanitation at the school. To ensure long-term sustainability, Cova delivered a hands-on training session for school staff and community members, covering system operation and routine maintenance practices.

To expand access to safe water at the household level, Cova installed a specially designed chlorinator tailored for low-flow systems. This unit was integrated into a community water system that serves 112 families—benefiting approximately 680 individuals. The system operates at a flow rate of 14.5 gallons per minute, making it well-suited for this type of chlorination technology. Following a smooth and successful installation, community water board members received hands-on training on proper use and maintenance. This included guidance on how frequently to add chlorine tablets—based on the system’s flow rate—as well as instructions on safe handling and proper cleaning. To ensure long-term durability, Cova also recommended that the community construct a protective concrete enclosure around the chlorinator to shield it from environmental exposure and potential damage.

School: José Cecilio del Valle
Location: Santa Cruz, Marcala, La Paz, Honduras
Benefitted Population: 143 students & 6 teachers

Project Review
Cova will install a water treatment system, ‘Sistema Combinado’ or Combined System in English, to purify the water in the school. This system consists of a two-step process: first, the reduction of water turbidity (cleaning the water so it looks crystal clear), and second, treating the bacteria to ensure it is safe to drink. This system will serve as a mini-water treatment plant, reducing turbidity levels and killing any bacteria in the water. Cova technicians will install this system in collaboration with the students, teaching them how it works and the proper maintenance. Following the installation, the program manager, Oneida Lara has prepared a curriculum for the students for water sanitation and hygiene. She will continue visiting the schools monthly and work with the teachers to educate the students on safe drinking.

Cova also has a water quality lab in their office in Marcala and will do testing of the water after the system is installed to ensure the water is safe to drink. The Cova program has a 10-year track record of providing these solutions and ongoing monitoring to schools and communities in Central America.

Performed Activities
The project began with a comprehensive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) assessment at the school to identify existing gaps and opportunities for improvement. This was followed by a collaborative meeting with the school’s Parents’ Association, during which the Combined System project was presented. As a result, the community committed to constructing the support structure for the water tanks—an essential component of the system. Cova provided technical oversight throughout the construction of the elevated tank platform to ensure quality and safety standards were met. A detailed bill of materials and cost estimate was prepared to guide procurement, and all necessary materials for the Combined System were purchased with attention to both cost-efficiency and timely delivery. Once all components were ready, the water tanks were transported from the Marcala office to the school in Santa Cruz. With everything in place, the Combined System was successfully installed, significantly improving access to safe water and sanitation at the school. To ensure long-term sustainability, Cova delivered a hands-on training session for school staff and community members, covering system operation and routine maintenance practices.

School: Marilu Urquiola Aguilar
Location: Las Crucitas, Marcala, La Paz, Honduras
Benefitted Population: 65 students & 3 teachers

Project Review
Cova will install a water treatment system, ‘Sistema Combinado’ or Combined System in English, to purify the water in the school. This system consists of a two-step process: first, the reduction of water turbidity (cleaning the water so it looks crystal clear), and second, treating the bacteria to ensure it is safe to drink. This system will serve as a mini-water treatment plant, reducing turbidity levels and killing any bacteria in the water. Cova technicians will install this system in collaboration with the students, teaching them how it works and the proper maintenance. Following the installation, the program manager, Oneida Lara has prepared a curriculum for the students for water sanitation and hygiene. She will continue visiting the schools monthly and work with the teachers to educate the students on safe drinking.

Cova also has a water quality lab in their office in Marcala and will do testing of the water after the system is installed to ensure the water is safe to drink. The Cova program has a 10-year track record of providing these solutions and ongoing monitoring to schools and communities in Central America.

Performed Activities
The project began with a comprehensive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) assessment at the school to identify existing gaps and opportunities for improvement. This was followed by a collaborative meeting with the school’s Parents’ Association, during which the Combined System project was presented. As a result, the community committed to constructing the support structure for the water tanks—an essential component of the system. Cova provided technical oversight throughout the construction of the elevated tank platform to ensure quality and safety standards were met. A detailed bill of materials and cost estimate was prepared to guide procurement, and all necessary materials for the Combined System were purchased with attention to both cost-efficiency and timely delivery. Once all components were ready, the water tanks were transported from the Marcala office to the school in Las Crucitas. With everything in place, the Combined System was successfully installed, significantly improving access to safe water and sanitation at the school. To ensure long-term sustainability, Cova delivered a hands-on training session for school staff and community members, covering system operation and routine maintenance practices.

Thank you to the following for supporting these projects!