Photo: Community members and operators of the Groundwater Treatment System (GTS) in Los Ricos, joined by donors, engage in an informative session about the mechanics of the system.
Part 1
Know Your Water and Ensure Your Drinking & Cooking Water is Safe
Photo: Here's Allie, Director of Technology at Caminos de Agua, meticulously analyzing a water sample in our state-of-the-art laboratory.
Our regional water supply is increasingly becoming plagued with excessive levels of arsenic and fluoride, two very difficult-to-remove water contaminants that are both on the World Health Organization’s list of the 10 chemicals of greatest public health concern. Fluoride accumulates in the brain and is linked to development and learning disabilities in children, destroys teeth, and weakens bones. Arsenic is linked to skin and gallbladder cancer, kidney disease, and development and learning disabilities. These issues not only affect hundreds of thousands in our watershed, but approximately 21 million in Mexico, and 200-300 million people globally.
How to Use Your Water
Is it safe to shower with arsenic and fluoride in my water? Can I eat vegetables irrigated with high levels of arsenic?
These are questions we receive often at Caminos de Agua. So, before understanding your water quality, it’s important to first understand the risks of arsenic and fluoride in the water. You’ll notice that this entire section is focused on water for drinking and cooking, or what we frequently call water for “human consumption.” That’s because arsenic and fluoride are not easily absorbed through the skin. You can wash dishes and clothes and even bathe and shower with arsenic and fluoride contaminated water without concern. While arsenic specifically has shown to bioaccumulate in certain crops, we generally are not overly concerned with this issue given the levels of arsenic we have registered in this region and the current state of research on the matter.
In general, it’s important to remember that arsenic and fluoride are of most concern to public health when consumed. So, avoid drinking contaminated water as well as cooking with it as arsenic and fluoride are not boiled off in the cooking process, but instead are just concentrated further.
Water Quality Map
Photo: This is a screenshot of the Water Quality Map crafted by Caminos, illustrating vital insights into water conditions.
An important step in assuring your water is safe is first understanding your own water quality. Since 2012, Caminos de Agua has been conducting a comprehensive Water Monitoring Program, enabling us to meticulously track the quality of both private and public water sources across our region. We publish the data we've gathered freely on an innovative open-source Water Quality Map, allowing individuals to easily access information on the quality of their water. Check it out today, and learn more about the water in your neighborhood or community!
Private Water Testing
If you want to know the water quality specifically in your own home, we at Caminos de Agua offer private water testing for a small fee, which helps support our social programs and technical development projects, as well as allowing us to offer free water testing in low-income rural communities. Learn more about what we test for and our pricing by clicking here.
Install a Clean Water Solution
Photo: Alvaro, Water Monitoring Coordinator with Caminos, breaking down the workings of the Reverse Osmosis System at Casa Santa Julia Don Bosco, a local children's center in San Miguel de Allende.
It’s important to understand that water quality can change quickly, especially in the urban center of San Miguel where water sources vary in quality and are frequently mixed with one another. Because of that, we in Caminos de Agua believe that if you live in this region, you should have a water solution that deals with arsenic and fluoride, even if you don’t currently have excessive levels of those contaminants in your water today. That can change.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation regarding the treatment options available for arsenic and fluoride. Very few of the commercially-available water treatment systems remove arsenic and fluoride. The great majority of these systems are designed to remove biological pathogens and improve taste but are not capable of removing chemical contaminants like arsenic and fluoride. In fact, popular options like “whole-house” water treatment systems (a combination of UV, sediment, and carbon), boiling water, adding chlorine, and even expensive point-of-use filters like Nikken and Berkey (popular in urban San Miguel), unfortunately can’t touch arsenic and fluoride, which are completely dissolved in the water.
There are very few commercially-available solutions able to deal with these contaminants. At Caminos de Agua, we recommend three possible solutions:
Rainwater Harvesting + Biological Treatment,
Reverse Osmosis Treatment Systems, or
Commercial Bottled Water (e.g. garrafones) from a reputable source.
By analyzing and disseminating water quality data and potential solutions, we've empowered thousands of residents to understand and evaluate the safety of their drinking water, fostering awareness and education about water quality in our region.
Part 2
Support Your Extended Community
While it may be relatively easy to assure that our own water is safe for consumption, that is not the reality for so many of our neighbors. Many in the urban community simply do not know what you do. Even more worrisome, while the solutions mentioned in the above section may be easy to obtain for you, they are not appropriate or affordable for the hundreds of thousands in rural villages throughout the region most at risk due to arsenic and fluoride contamination. So, below, we go through some options on how you can help raise awareness, spread the word, and support others in our extended community by ensuring clean water access.
Deepen Your Understanding: In Person or Online
Photo: Here's Dylan Terrell, Executive Director at Caminos, delivering an inspiring TEDx talk in 2022 at San Miguel de Allende.
Our periodic educational programs play a crucial role in serving the urban population within our watershed with the most up-to-date information on our water problems and their solutions. So keep an eye out for live events where you can learn more, get your direct questions answered in person, and find ways to engage further. This year, we’ve already held public talks in partnership the i3 Conference, PEN San Miguel, and the Instituto Allende's "Lifelong Learning" series, where we've continued to inform the public about the intricacies of our evolving water crisis both locally and around the globe as well as potential solutions.
Next week, on April 6th from 11am-5pm, we're thrilled to participate in the second annual "Water Fair" in the Plaza Civica in downtown San Miguel as part of AguaVida, a network of water-related initiatives in San Miguel. This public event underscores our commitment to engaging and educating diverse audiences about water sustainability. So, come on down, learn more, and get your questions answered by our incredibly knowledgeable staff.
But our educational offerings don't stop there. You can also delve into the insights shared by our executive director, Dylan Terrell, in his thought-provoking TEDx Talk from last year, go deeper on the impact of agriculture on our water crisis by watching the short documentary – Consuming the Future – produced by our partners at Wageningen University, or learn more about our history and work by watching our 10 Year Anniversary Video. Additionally, our website hosts a wealth of educational materials and articles, providing further resources for those passionate about water stewardship.
Spread the Word: Amplify Our Impact Together
Our mission to address the water crisis in our region relies heavily on spreading awareness and fostering meaningful connections within our community. While our educational and informational materials are powerful tools for raising awareness, their reach can sometimes be limited without your help.
You can make a significant impact by simply sharing our mission and work with others. Whether it's forwarding an email containing valuable resources, sharing our fundraising campaigns with your network, or encouraging your friends and family to join our mailing list, every action you take helps amplify our reach and potential impact. Your efforts can spark conversations, inspire action, and ultimately contribute to creating positive change.
By referring our work to others, you not only help us connect with a wider audience but also facilitate meaningful collaborations and partnerships within our community. Together, we can cast a wider net, forge special connections, and create effective collaborations that benefit us all.
Join Us in the Field
Photo: Here's Carmen Castro (standing on the left) from SECOPA, a vital grassroots partner, welcoming donors and community members of Pozo Ademado in San Diego de la Unión. Together, they're delving into the various solutions implemented to ensure clean water access in the region.
At Caminos de Agua, we believe in the power of firsthand experiences to foster understanding and deepen commitment to our cause. That's why we regularly host "Special Experiences" – unique occasions where donors and members of rural communities we serve come together to learn, connect, and build meaningful relationships.
These immersive learning opportunities offer a glimpse into the reality of life in rural communities and showcase the impact of our work firsthand. Led by community members themselves, these gatherings provide a platform for showcasing local water technologies and the technical skills involved in managing them. Through these experiences, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by these communities and the vital role of sustainable water access in their lives.
More than just creating water access, our work is also about building cultural bridges and fostering mutual understanding between local communities and a diverse array of stakeholders. These "Special Experiences" exemplify our commitment to community building and collaboration, and we invite you to join us in this journey of discovery and solidarity.
If you're interested in taking part in one of these transformative experiences, please respond directly to this email or reach out to us at info@caminosdeagua.org. We'll be sure to add your name to our list of concerned individuals and keep you informed about upcoming opportunities to participate.
Host a Personalized Talk
Photo: Chip Swab (standing on the left), a steadfast supporter of Caminos de Agua and sponsor of our Spring Match Campaign, introduces Dylan Terrell, Executive Director at Caminos, to a group of local residents during a personalized talk at Chip's house.
In urban San Miguel de Allende, many remain unaware of the pressing water crisis gripping our region. Even long-time residents may not realize the extent of the crisis, which affects communities across all socioeconomic levels. That's why we're extending a special invitation to you to host a “Meet & Greet” event at your home, where we'll deliver a tailored talk addressing the specific needs and concerns of your friends and family.
This intimate gathering presents a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the nuances of our water crisis and the solutions being innovated by Caminos de Agua. Whether you're a newcomer eager to learn more, or a long-time resident seeking further insight, this event will provide valuable information and answer any questions you may have. Hosting a private talk has proven to be a powerful tool for spreading awareness and opening dialogue among both new and established residents of San Miguel. And, we rely on the support of community members like you to extend our beyond our immediate network.
If you're interested in supporting our cause by hosting a talk in your home, simply reply to this email, and we'll handle all the logistics for you.
Launch a Greater Fundraising Initiative
Photo: Hardy Holland (first from the left in the background), a dedicated board member, donor, and volunteer at Caminos de Agua, hosts a talk at his house to raise awareness about our regional water issues and support the Clean Water for Life Initiative.
In 2023, Caminos de Agua witnessed one of our most impactful fundraising endeavors, led not by our organization, but by a dynamic trio of concerned community champions – David, Hardy, and Margo – who designed and led the "Clean Water for Life" Campaign to unprecedented success, lasting several months and leaving a lasting impact on our region.
Their strategy was multifaceted, involving the development of an email campaign, reaching out directly to dozens of contacts in San Miguel and beyond, as well as a series of meticulously planned private events in collaboration with other allies. These events provided attendees with comprehensive insights into the state of our water crisis, building awareness and sparking crucial conversations. Furthermore, they established a dedicated website as a central hub for information and engagement, inviting individuals to join their cause, and effectively galvanizing support and mobilizing action.
The culmination of these efforts was nothing short of extraordinary. The "Clean Water for Life" Campaign raised over USD $100,000, which we were able to leverage to get governmental support as well, and ultimately enable the construction of over 170 Rainwater Harvesting Systems in communities whose health was seriously threatened.
At Caminos de Agua, we are inspired by the achievements of David, Hardy, and Margo, and we believe that you too can make a difference. With our support and your leadership, we can work together to ensure clean water access for all.
Going Deeper: Volunteer with Caminos
Photo: Charlie Sellers (PhD) (first from the right), a board member and volunteer advisor at Caminos, joins Maria Jose (in the middle), Aguadapt Production Supervisor, in examining the production of our water ceramic filter Aguadapt.
From our dedicated 12 member board of directors, to our deep bench of technical advisors and rotating technical fellows, we rely heavily on volunteers to achieve our mission. While we can’t offer the “traditional” volunteering opportunities of other organizations, we are always on the lookout for those who are willing to dedicate serious time to become more intimately involved with our mission. If you are a writer, possess technical expertise, have contacts in related fields that could benefit our projects, or would enjoy building stronger community support for our work, we welcome your collaboration and partnership.
