Following the construction of the Ralco hydroelectric plant, a group of Pehuenche families whose land had been flooded by the reservoir waters, settled in the "El Barco" and "Ayin Mapu" sectors that are part of the Alto Biobío and Santa Bárbara regional divisions, respectively. The new properties were specially adapted, houses were built, and basic services and productive infrastructure were implemented to accommodate the families who decided to move there. The Drinking Water Systems have been instrumental in guaranteeing the families´ safety and comfort. As the groups had a high percentage of children and older adults amongst their members, they required a constant and uninterrupted water supply that would guarantee adequate sanitary conditions to prevent diseases and to improve the families´ living conditions.
The project consists of improving the El Barco and Ayin Mapu Drinking Water Systems (APRs) by implementing new designs and engineering. The project involves, among others, a new water treatment structure, changing old holding ponds for ones with a greater capacity, installing new pipelines, cleaning the existing ones, and making sure that the water supply is not interrupted.
The Ayin Mapu project has been granted a sanitary resolution by the Biobío Health Service. Soon, the required information for the el Barco community water system will be filed with the local authority awaiting their declaration of receipt and compliance.
The Environmental Qualification Resolution (RCA by its Spanish acronym) that allows the Ralco plant to operate, imposed on the Company the obligation to provide several services that the resettled families should receive including the supply and distribution of drinking water. To comply with the above, the Company has promoted the settlers´ autonomy in food production and productive and economic matters. The community has been systematically invited to make an efficient and conscious use of the resource, given the situation of water scarcity in the area.
This project is aligned with UN-driven Sustainable Development Goal 6 "Guaranteeing water availability and sustainable management and sanitation for all".
