Background
Social initiative brings water to local population
Over 1,800 people live in the remote mountainous villages of Llano Largo, Quioco and Guadalupe, in western Honduras; more than half had never had a water service. Instead, they would make a three-hour walk to carry water from a contaminated river or from muddy pits.
Deciding to take matters into their own hands, residents of the three villages partnered with Water Engineers for the Americas (WEFTA), the Honduran government, the American Chemistry Council, USAID, World Vision, and Catholic Charities, to build a water supply, storage, treatment and distribution project.
Challenge
Air-locked supply line
The ambitious social project involved a river diversion, 20 km of supply pipeline, three tanks, three chlorine treatment units, and distribution to 300 homes. The transmission line from the river intake to the communities was designed for 72 gpm, and was field tested at 83 gpm. However, after a few hours of operation, the flow rate dropped to 38 gpm – a 54% reduction in water supply to the communities – due to severe air locking in certain parts of the pipeline. Locally-available air valves lacked either the capacity, functionality, or pressure rating to remove the air.
Solution
Three-in-one functionality
Aquestia donated 31 A.R.I. combination air valves to the project. This was the ideal solution in several ways: the valves encompass the three functions of initial exhaust, vacuum break, and air release; they deliver pressure ratings of up to 235 psi, as required for the high-pressure transmission line; and they are made of strong, lightweight plastic, making transport to Honduras easier.
The valves were deployed throughout the project at locations where air accumulation was prevalent.
Problem solved-happy girls enjoying fresh water from pipeline
Results
Water project back on track
Immediately after installing the valves, water supply more than doubled from 38 gpm to 83 gpm. The water supply system is now completed and functioning as designed.
