Below is a list of all the Projects completed, in progress & in planning...
From 4/4 these projects are currently in progress:
Tierra Blanca 28
Juan Gonzalez 22
funded by Global Grant from Baton Rouge Capitol City RC & District 6200 US$33,500
Tierra Blanca 14 - direct grant donation from New Braumfels RC $2k, & Port Lavaca RC $7k
San Lorenzo 4
Cinco Senores 11 (incl pilot in JG)
Fondo Verde Mxn$150k
Villa de Guadalupe 27
Cienega Juana Ruiz 26
Sapasma mxn$435k
Villa Pilot x1
Cienega Pilot x 1
Bellingham RC US$1500
Tierra Blanca have completed all 42 cisterns in record time of 5 weeks!!
The rest of the projects are well underway & on target that all will be completed by the end of June (or even earlier - ojala!)...(that will be an additional 134 cisterns & will bring us up to 347 in total)
Projects in planning:
Fingers crossed projects:
$65k global grant application stage with Chinook RC in Calgary Alberta Canada
Previously completed projects listed below:
Water Projects completed from 1st Jan 2009 - March 2011
Grand Total of 213 cisterns: 8 projects US$125,153
Los torres 52 cisterns - done in several phases.
Phase II Project : $21,200
Direct Grant Rotary Club Partners amount committed:
RC SMA Midday Mexico 200
Tallahassee RC USA (Bill Webb) 4000
RC of Sechelt BC Canada (Tom Pinfold) 5000
Paso Robles RC USA (Robert Lata) 500
Tyron RC (Jerry Atkins) 5000
RC of Ann Arbor (Len Stringer) 6000
US$ Total of Rotary funds committed 20700
Plus! $500 donation from Skymed/Linda Scholey $500
Phase III project: $12,200
SMA Midday 200
Tallahassee 1000 DDF 2000
Tyron RC 2500 DDF 2500
Ann Arbour 1500
Sechelt 1500
Trail BC 1000 N/A
Subtotals, Cash and DDF 7700 4500
smcf funding grant 1 $2468 smcf funding grant 2 2235,
Montecillo de Nieto 30 cisterns $16700
SMA Midday 200
Tallahassee 5000 DDF 11500
Vivienda de Arriba 17 cisterns & Cruz del Palmar 28 cisterns for a combined $24700
SMA Midday $200
RC West U $4500
RC Richmond $3500 District 5890 8,000
RC Tallahassee 2000 DDF 6940 6,500
Subtotals, Cash and DDF 10200 14,500
Capaderillo 40 cisterns $21850
Fondo Verde (Municipal funding)
Palencia 21 cisterns $7k Tallahassee RC(+ balance of excess from other projects)
Vivienda Urbana (Cap II) 25 cisterns $3800 dsg Tallahassee, $6k Tallahassee, $7k Walla Walla
Grand Total of 213 cisterns:
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
2nd Mtg Cienega Juana Ruiz
Record of Event
Where: Salon de Lectura Cienega Juana Ruiz
When: Wed 4.5.11 5pm (we were late coming from our planning meeting) – 8pm
Who: Saul, Chela, Holly + (Cedesa), Laura, (Rotary), 3 Sapasma Promoters + 30 adults (incl 4 men) from Community of Cienega.
Purpose: 2nd planning meeting for the Water Cistern project, funded as part of the US$35k Sapasma grant. This project (along with the one in Villa de Guadalupe) will be considered a training program for Sapasma promoters to learn the Cedesa method & overall operations of the water projects. It will be to provide 26 family cisterns in Cienega + 1 pilot will be funded by the Bellingham Rotary Club direct grant.
Sapasma will be attending all planning meetings as well as training pilot & various individual family work sessions, to learn the process from beginning to end.
Chela explained why we were late, we had had 3 meetings prior to this one.
A co-ordinator was elected – Adriana & secretary (?)
Introductions by Sapasma, & the Roll was called. Chela asked who else was attended (other than those on the list) & why they were here – they responded they were interested in getting water.
One person who is on the list does not have space for the cistern so is donating her place. Chela asked who agreed & who want3ed to comment. Amelia (consejo rep) explained that it was a decision for the whole group to discuss & make.
Chela wanted to clarify that the project is not a normal program/handout but an involved process. She asked if anyone wanted to talk about the water situation in general to know more.
The discussion then covered the topics of contaminants, bacterial v chemical/mineral. The contaminant fluoride was discussed, along with the symptoms. & the method of killing bacteria with the Sodis (www.sodis.ch) was briefly explained.
Chela asked why Sapasma was there – the crowd responded to learn the process along side us & to provide resources, & also to talk about the pozo issue.
Chela “so you have your resources organized already?” si, but we need to organize the work groups, & plan the project, we have done that already, for our homework! We have 5 groups organized…
We then had a discussion as we had only budgeted on 4 work groups (ie each work group needs their own set of plywood & water truck deliveries – in this case). So we needed to reorganize the work groups into just 4 groups.
There was discussion about the water situation, as there is none in this community (only irrigation wells from which they have to “borrow” water, or dry river beds where they excavate approx. 1mtr to collect the water from the muddy puddle), we need to organize with Sapasma to have pipas (water trucks), & these cost money – so a solicitude needs to be made (with Sapasma’s promoters assistance) to the municipality to cover the cost of these water truck deliveries, which are essential for the construction of the cisterns.
Holly spent many hours working on the solution, she estimated the qty of water for each cistern to be approx. 2400 cisterns, ie 12 tambos (big buckets), each truck can be 5000 or 10,000 ltrs so need to arrange for deliveries sufficient for 2400 per family per group. A schedule has been drawn up to ensure the construction of the cisterns is not held up for lack of water deliveries.
Chela asked who at Sapasma is responsible for ensuring the water deliveries, & the promoters responded Waldo.
The groups were then formed - 4 groups (formatting lost in this blog!)
Luis Gonz
Ricardo Guerrero ©
Soccorro Soria ©
Adriana Ramirez
Veronica Torres
Abelina Soria
Emelia Gonz (CC)/A
Audencia
Marina Ramz.
Elisa Martinez©
Jose Soria
Victoria Vargas
Rosalia Vargas ©
Rutilia Ramz
Luisa Guerrero
Calina Vasquez (a)
Javier Guerrero ©
Carmela Guerrero©
Estela Monton
Sanjuana Torres
Almadelia ©
Paulina (a)
Juana Vazquez
Imelda Martinez ©
Victoria Vazquez
Consuelo Juarez
There was a discussion about the need for a minimum of 1-2 abaniles per each group, if they are not available on afternoons or weekends even, they will need, as a group to contribute to pay someone. Emelia pointed out that many people can be abaniles, they don’t need a degree in it she asked Sergio “have you got a degree?” everyone laughed.
Sapasma asked if they can take photos to record the process, Emelia began preening herself & again everyone cracked up laughing.
The co-ordinator role for the groups was explained, ie they are the go-to people for deliveries, short deliveries, issues etc, 2 co-ordinators were appointed for each group.
Emelia was appointed as community co-ordinator (ie overall co-ordinator).
Saul explained that the abanile involvement is very important, it is essential to make the best possible cistern so it does not fail you…
Emelia mentioned how much she is enjoying the thought of working together in groups, this community have worked together before & have achieved a lot, they have facilities we have not seen in other communities, eg a community kitchen, a health clinic, a library, & even a small bull ring… they enjoy working together, Emelia “it is one thing to be talking about work, but it really lifts your spirits when you work together & slap on the cement!”
Saul reiterated – it really is a joy to work in teams on these projects – developing harmony.
Saul mentioned the chain of command re the group work, re errors or issues, try to resolve them amongst your group, then with your group co-ordinators, then with the community co-ordinator & as a last resort call him.
Hours of work re the Pilot
The pilot is to begin in Cienega on the 9th May. There was discussion about starting time for the day’s work. Some wanted to start at 7am, others 8am & others 9am. 8 am was the consensus.
When deliveries are ready they call Saul, & Saul will all the leaders of the project to meet the trucks to tell them where to go.
Attendance at the pilot is ideal for all members all days, ie to learn the process fully. Those that really can not attend need to send representatives, &/or provide food & drink.
PVC limit 2.5 tramos per family
Saul mentioned there is a limit to the qty of PVC piping that will be supplied by the project, many people want to have their cisterns way away from the house & this costs more in piping. The new method is to build the cistern as close as poss. Or where they desire, then measure the piping requirements once the cistern is in place, this is a more precise method.
The location of the cistern is important & needs to take into account the overall plan for the whole backyard, including gardens, rubbish, compost, animals, fruit trees, etc.
Some people paint pictures or decorate their cisterns, in Vivienda Urbana someone has drawn a picture of jesus on the cross, in Vivienda Arriba they have elephants on the side & stampeding up the top! The cistern is there for your whole life so it’s important to accommodate it in the best possible spot.
It is 2.5 mtrs high + .7 more for the peak.
No throwaway cups & plates – the volume of rubbish created during the communal meetings is immense & everyone is encouraged to bring re-usable plates & cups to cut down waste.
Tools – the tools required for the first day were listed, including ladders, wheelbarrows, big buckets, wire cutters, grinder, sieves
End of planning session for the Water Project
Pozo…
Discussion/plans were made re the situation with the Pozo.
Piping was put in place approx. 3 yrs ago, after working on the issue for 7 yrs, but now the pipes are in a state of disrepair & they are still not hooked up to the well.
There is an issue re the concession holder for the well, he went to the USA, they have been working on changing the ownership of the concession.
Sapasma asked if they had a water committee, the delegado said yes they have been appointed but have never received training, Sapasma explained they may have been missed, they have trained 83 communities in the region but must have missed this one.
A phone number was exchanged so the delegado can co=ordinate a training session for the water committee.
The Delegado mentioned they have been working for many years on the issue of provision of water with Sapasma, but have not got anywhere.
Chela said there are many responsible, not just Sapasma, that the whole community needs to take responsibility to push this forward. (I missed the end of the meeting as had to take a phone call)
Meeting finished at 7.20pm & a big feast was provided!
Next meeting 9/5/11 – pilot construction at Casa de Salud begins 8am.
Where: Salon de Lectura Cienega Juana Ruiz
When: Wed 4.5.11 5pm (we were late coming from our planning meeting) – 8pm
Who: Saul, Chela, Holly + (Cedesa), Laura, (Rotary), 3 Sapasma Promoters + 30 adults (incl 4 men) from Community of Cienega.
Purpose: 2nd planning meeting for the Water Cistern project, funded as part of the US$35k Sapasma grant. This project (along with the one in Villa de Guadalupe) will be considered a training program for Sapasma promoters to learn the Cedesa method & overall operations of the water projects. It will be to provide 26 family cisterns in Cienega + 1 pilot will be funded by the Bellingham Rotary Club direct grant.
Sapasma will be attending all planning meetings as well as training pilot & various individual family work sessions, to learn the process from beginning to end.
Chela explained why we were late, we had had 3 meetings prior to this one.
A co-ordinator was elected – Adriana & secretary (?)
Introductions by Sapasma, & the Roll was called. Chela asked who else was attended (other than those on the list) & why they were here – they responded they were interested in getting water.
One person who is on the list does not have space for the cistern so is donating her place. Chela asked who agreed & who want3ed to comment. Amelia (consejo rep) explained that it was a decision for the whole group to discuss & make.
Chela wanted to clarify that the project is not a normal program/handout but an involved process. She asked if anyone wanted to talk about the water situation in general to know more.
The discussion then covered the topics of contaminants, bacterial v chemical/mineral. The contaminant fluoride was discussed, along with the symptoms. & the method of killing bacteria with the Sodis (www.sodis.ch) was briefly explained.
Chela asked why Sapasma was there – the crowd responded to learn the process along side us & to provide resources, & also to talk about the pozo issue.
Chela “so you have your resources organized already?” si, but we need to organize the work groups, & plan the project, we have done that already, for our homework! We have 5 groups organized…
We then had a discussion as we had only budgeted on 4 work groups (ie each work group needs their own set of plywood & water truck deliveries – in this case). So we needed to reorganize the work groups into just 4 groups.
There was discussion about the water situation, as there is none in this community (only irrigation wells from which they have to “borrow” water, or dry river beds where they excavate approx. 1mtr to collect the water from the muddy puddle), we need to organize with Sapasma to have pipas (water trucks), & these cost money – so a solicitude needs to be made (with Sapasma’s promoters assistance) to the municipality to cover the cost of these water truck deliveries, which are essential for the construction of the cisterns.
Holly spent many hours working on the solution, she estimated the qty of water for each cistern to be approx. 2400 cisterns, ie 12 tambos (big buckets), each truck can be 5000 or 10,000 ltrs so need to arrange for deliveries sufficient for 2400 per family per group. A schedule has been drawn up to ensure the construction of the cisterns is not held up for lack of water deliveries.
Chela asked who at Sapasma is responsible for ensuring the water deliveries, & the promoters responded Waldo.
The groups were then formed - 4 groups (formatting lost in this blog!)
Luis Gonz
Ricardo Guerrero ©
Soccorro Soria ©
Adriana Ramirez
Veronica Torres
Abelina Soria
Emelia Gonz (CC)/A
Audencia
Marina Ramz.
Elisa Martinez©
Jose Soria
Victoria Vargas
Rosalia Vargas ©
Rutilia Ramz
Luisa Guerrero
Calina Vasquez (a)
Javier Guerrero ©
Carmela Guerrero©
Estela Monton
Sanjuana Torres
Almadelia ©
Paulina (a)
Juana Vazquez
Imelda Martinez ©
Victoria Vazquez
Consuelo Juarez
There was a discussion about the need for a minimum of 1-2 abaniles per each group, if they are not available on afternoons or weekends even, they will need, as a group to contribute to pay someone. Emelia pointed out that many people can be abaniles, they don’t need a degree in it she asked Sergio “have you got a degree?” everyone laughed.
Sapasma asked if they can take photos to record the process, Emelia began preening herself & again everyone cracked up laughing.
The co-ordinator role for the groups was explained, ie they are the go-to people for deliveries, short deliveries, issues etc, 2 co-ordinators were appointed for each group.
Emelia was appointed as community co-ordinator (ie overall co-ordinator).
Saul explained that the abanile involvement is very important, it is essential to make the best possible cistern so it does not fail you…
Emelia mentioned how much she is enjoying the thought of working together in groups, this community have worked together before & have achieved a lot, they have facilities we have not seen in other communities, eg a community kitchen, a health clinic, a library, & even a small bull ring… they enjoy working together, Emelia “it is one thing to be talking about work, but it really lifts your spirits when you work together & slap on the cement!”
Saul reiterated – it really is a joy to work in teams on these projects – developing harmony.
Saul mentioned the chain of command re the group work, re errors or issues, try to resolve them amongst your group, then with your group co-ordinators, then with the community co-ordinator & as a last resort call him.
Hours of work re the Pilot
The pilot is to begin in Cienega on the 9th May. There was discussion about starting time for the day’s work. Some wanted to start at 7am, others 8am & others 9am. 8 am was the consensus.
When deliveries are ready they call Saul, & Saul will all the leaders of the project to meet the trucks to tell them where to go.
Attendance at the pilot is ideal for all members all days, ie to learn the process fully. Those that really can not attend need to send representatives, &/or provide food & drink.
PVC limit 2.5 tramos per family
Saul mentioned there is a limit to the qty of PVC piping that will be supplied by the project, many people want to have their cisterns way away from the house & this costs more in piping. The new method is to build the cistern as close as poss. Or where they desire, then measure the piping requirements once the cistern is in place, this is a more precise method.
The location of the cistern is important & needs to take into account the overall plan for the whole backyard, including gardens, rubbish, compost, animals, fruit trees, etc.
Some people paint pictures or decorate their cisterns, in Vivienda Urbana someone has drawn a picture of jesus on the cross, in Vivienda Arriba they have elephants on the side & stampeding up the top! The cistern is there for your whole life so it’s important to accommodate it in the best possible spot.
It is 2.5 mtrs high + .7 more for the peak.
No throwaway cups & plates – the volume of rubbish created during the communal meetings is immense & everyone is encouraged to bring re-usable plates & cups to cut down waste.
Tools – the tools required for the first day were listed, including ladders, wheelbarrows, big buckets, wire cutters, grinder, sieves
End of planning session for the Water Project
Pozo…
Discussion/plans were made re the situation with the Pozo.
Piping was put in place approx. 3 yrs ago, after working on the issue for 7 yrs, but now the pipes are in a state of disrepair & they are still not hooked up to the well.
There is an issue re the concession holder for the well, he went to the USA, they have been working on changing the ownership of the concession.
Sapasma asked if they had a water committee, the delegado said yes they have been appointed but have never received training, Sapasma explained they may have been missed, they have trained 83 communities in the region but must have missed this one.
A phone number was exchanged so the delegado can co=ordinate a training session for the water committee.
The Delegado mentioned they have been working for many years on the issue of provision of water with Sapasma, but have not got anywhere.
Chela said there are many responsible, not just Sapasma, that the whole community needs to take responsibility to push this forward. (I missed the end of the meeting as had to take a phone call)
Meeting finished at 7.20pm & a big feast was provided!
Next meeting 9/5/11 – pilot construction at Casa de Salud begins 8am.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Report of 12th Event Re Tierra Blanca
Record of Event
Where: Car journey on the way to Unam in Juriquilla
When: May 3rd 9.15-10.15.
Who: Saul (Cedesa) Laura (Rotary), Abraham, Estela (Tierra Blanca), Roberto (Presita Santa Rosa) & Cata (Cruz del Palmar)
Purpose: We were on our way to UNAM in Juriquilla to meet with Dr Ortega (resident ground water expert in this state) on the subject of the higher than normal mortality rate in Tierra Blanca as well as information regarding the water situation in this region.
Informal Update:
I asked Saul & the Tierra Blanca community reps. how the project in Tierra Blanca (constructing 42 cisterns) was coming along… The 2 pilots have been finished, & the 40 other cisterns are almost finished. We have altered the method of ordering the PVC, Saul has found that placing the order in advance results in waste or shortage of PVC, as many families change their minds about the position of the cistern when they actually come to build them.
For this reason we now wait until the cisterns are built so they measurements can be more accurate.
The PVC order has since been placed & delivered, so the cisterns are almost complete. They estimate 1 wk more & all will be finished in Tierra Blanca.
The pilot started on 4th April so this has been an extremely speedy project, the community have really pulled together well to ensure these have been built so quickly!
Where: Car journey on the way to Unam in Juriquilla
When: May 3rd 9.15-10.15.
Who: Saul (Cedesa) Laura (Rotary), Abraham, Estela (Tierra Blanca), Roberto (Presita Santa Rosa) & Cata (Cruz del Palmar)
Purpose: We were on our way to UNAM in Juriquilla to meet with Dr Ortega (resident ground water expert in this state) on the subject of the higher than normal mortality rate in Tierra Blanca as well as information regarding the water situation in this region.
Informal Update:
I asked Saul & the Tierra Blanca community reps. how the project in Tierra Blanca (constructing 42 cisterns) was coming along… The 2 pilots have been finished, & the 40 other cisterns are almost finished. We have altered the method of ordering the PVC, Saul has found that placing the order in advance results in waste or shortage of PVC, as many families change their minds about the position of the cistern when they actually come to build them.
For this reason we now wait until the cisterns are built so they measurements can be more accurate.
The PVC order has since been placed & delivered, so the cisterns are almost complete. They estimate 1 wk more & all will be finished in Tierra Blanca.
The pilot started on 4th April so this has been an extremely speedy project, the community have really pulled together well to ensure these have been built so quickly!
8th Regional Event of the Communities requesting assistance with water
Where: UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) Juriquilla
When: 3.5.11
Who: Representatives of the Consejo Cata (CdP, President), Abraham & Estela (Tierra Blanca), Roberto (Presita de Santa Rosa/secretary), Saul, Chela, Jesus & Parents of Jesus – (Cedesa), Laura Rotary, Dr Marcos Adrian Ortega Guerrero, & Ramon Aguila – UNAM,
Purpose of the meeting: For Dr Ortega to inform the communities regarding the severity of wáter issues in the región, & to plan the study to attempt to determine the cause of high mortality rate in Tierra Blanca.
Saul, Cata, Abraham, Estela & Roberto met at Bodega Aurerra & travelled with Laura to Juriquilla, Jesus, Chela & Jesus’s parents travelled separately from Cedesa.
Dr Ortega began the discussion with a powerpoint & history of the work he & his colleagues have been carrying out in this región. In 1998 the began work in the área of ground wáter studies. Many organisations collaborated on this study. Once they began work they realised that the one aquifer serviced the 7 municipalities, previously it was thought each área had it’s own.
They bought together the municipalities to fund the study.
Historically there were other lakes in the área talked about by the indigenous peoples but they are not here now, there were also 1000’s of springs, these too have dried up.
There are 2500 wells in the área covered by this aquifer. 127 of them were tested for organic matter & 10 elements. There are many more elements that should be being tested for.
In SMA they are currently only testing for fluoride (not even arsenic, ironically Cedesa just did 2 tests for private individuals in the área beside the DH road, & in both locations the levels were higher than the safe recommended level).
The WHO safe max. Level for arsenic is 0.01 – the Mexican Govt. Safe max. Level is 2.5x higher at .025.
Fluoride is a nasty contaminant, it’s symptoms include, high depression, complications with diabetes, erectile disfunction, bone pain, brain disfunction, damaged teeth, accumulation in major organs, .
When the diabetes complications was mentioned, Cata said in the last 3 yrs 4 or 5 kids of 6-7 yrs old have died from diabetes in Cruz del Palmar. There could be a connection with the high fluoride levels there.
There is no information being publically provided currently about the fluoride situation in this región. We are doing our best to inform the communities with whom we’re working, as this is a drastic problema & they should avoid drinking the wáter. Chlorine does not remove fluoride
1.5mg/l is reported as the máximum safe level but it is in fact still toxic at this level.
There are different methods of testing the fluoride levels, the dipstick method (used by Ecosciences) is not the most precise method.
There are more than 70 elements, & we are just testing for fluoride.
Another toxic contaminant is silica – Silicosis is being investigated as a possible cause of the health issues in Tierra Blanca, as is Radon.
Dr Ortega then proposed 2 sets of studies to be done, 1 specifically in Tierra Blanca & the other in the región 500 metres around Tierra Blanca.
An “Encuentro por el Agua” is planned 20/8/11 10am-5pm as a follow up to the diplomado for agua done in 2008/09.
It will be held at the Biblioteca at CAC (Centro Academico Culturo). It will also be open likely to people from the Consejo who have not attended the diplomado but are interested in the topic of Water.
When: 3.5.11
Who: Representatives of the Consejo Cata (CdP, President), Abraham & Estela (Tierra Blanca), Roberto (Presita de Santa Rosa/secretary), Saul, Chela, Jesus & Parents of Jesus – (Cedesa), Laura Rotary, Dr Marcos Adrian Ortega Guerrero, & Ramon Aguila – UNAM,
Purpose of the meeting: For Dr Ortega to inform the communities regarding the severity of wáter issues in the región, & to plan the study to attempt to determine the cause of high mortality rate in Tierra Blanca.
Saul, Cata, Abraham, Estela & Roberto met at Bodega Aurerra & travelled with Laura to Juriquilla, Jesus, Chela & Jesus’s parents travelled separately from Cedesa.
Dr Ortega began the discussion with a powerpoint & history of the work he & his colleagues have been carrying out in this región. In 1998 the began work in the área of ground wáter studies. Many organisations collaborated on this study. Once they began work they realised that the one aquifer serviced the 7 municipalities, previously it was thought each área had it’s own.
They bought together the municipalities to fund the study.
Historically there were other lakes in the área talked about by the indigenous peoples but they are not here now, there were also 1000’s of springs, these too have dried up.
There are 2500 wells in the área covered by this aquifer. 127 of them were tested for organic matter & 10 elements. There are many more elements that should be being tested for.
In SMA they are currently only testing for fluoride (not even arsenic, ironically Cedesa just did 2 tests for private individuals in the área beside the DH road, & in both locations the levels were higher than the safe recommended level).
The WHO safe max. Level for arsenic is 0.01 – the Mexican Govt. Safe max. Level is 2.5x higher at .025.
Fluoride is a nasty contaminant, it’s symptoms include, high depression, complications with diabetes, erectile disfunction, bone pain, brain disfunction, damaged teeth, accumulation in major organs, .
When the diabetes complications was mentioned, Cata said in the last 3 yrs 4 or 5 kids of 6-7 yrs old have died from diabetes in Cruz del Palmar. There could be a connection with the high fluoride levels there.
There is no information being publically provided currently about the fluoride situation in this región. We are doing our best to inform the communities with whom we’re working, as this is a drastic problema & they should avoid drinking the wáter. Chlorine does not remove fluoride
1.5mg/l is reported as the máximum safe level but it is in fact still toxic at this level.
There are different methods of testing the fluoride levels, the dipstick method (used by Ecosciences) is not the most precise method.
There are more than 70 elements, & we are just testing for fluoride.
Another toxic contaminant is silica – Silicosis is being investigated as a possible cause of the health issues in Tierra Blanca, as is Radon.
Dr Ortega then proposed 2 sets of studies to be done, 1 specifically in Tierra Blanca & the other in the región 500 metres around Tierra Blanca.
An “Encuentro por el Agua” is planned 20/8/11 10am-5pm as a follow up to the diplomado for agua done in 2008/09.
It will be held at the Biblioteca at CAC (Centro Academico Culturo). It will also be open likely to people from the Consejo who have not attended the diplomado but are interested in the topic of Water.
Regional Event of the Communities requesting assistance with water UNAM
Regional Event of the Communities requesting assistance with water
Where: UNAM Juriquilla
When: 3.5.11
Who: Representatives of the Consejo Cata (CdP, President), Abraham & Estela (Tierra Blanca), Roberto (Presita de Santa Rosa/secretary), Saul, Chela, Jesus & Parents of Jesus – (Cedesa), Laura Rotary, Dr Marcos Adrian Ortega Guerrero, & Ramon Aguila – UNAM,
Purpose of the meeting: For Dr Ortega to inform the communities regarding the severity of wáter issues in the región, & to plan the study to attempt to determine the cause of high mortality rate in Tierra Blanca.
Saul, Cata, Abraham, Estela & Roberto met at Bodega Aurerra & travelled with Laura to Juriquilla, Jesus, Chela & Jesus’s parents travelled separately from Cedesa.
Dr Ortega began the discussion with a powerpoint & history of the work he & his colleagues have been carrying out in this región. In 1998 the began work in the área of ground wáter studies. Many organisations collaborated on this study. Once they began work they realised that the one aquifer serviced the 7 municipalities, previously it was thought each área had it’s own.
They bought together the municipalities to fund the study.
Historically there were other lakes in the área talked about by the indigenous peoples but they are not here now, there were also 1000’s of springs, these too have dried up.
There are 2500 wells in the área covered by this aquifer. 127 of them were tested for organic matter & 10 elements. There are many more elements that should be being tested for.
In SMA they are currently only testing for fluoride (not even arsenic, ironically Cedesa just did 2 tests for private individuals in the área beside the DH road, & in both locations the levels were higher than the safe recommended level).
The WHO safe max. Level for arsenic is 0.01 – the Mexican Govt. Safe max. Level is 2.5x higher at .025.
Fluoride is a nasty contaminant, it’s symptoms include, high depression, complications with diabetes, erectile disfunction, bone pain, brain disfunction, damaged teeth, accumulation in major organs, .
When the diabetes complications were mentioned, Cata said in the last 3 yrs 4 or 5 kids of 6-7 yrs old have died from diabetes in Cruz del Palmar. There could be a connection with the high fluoride levels there.
There is no information being publicly provided currently about the fluoride situation in this región. We are doing our best to inform the communities with whom we’re working, as this is a drastic problem & they should avoid drinking the wáter. Chlorine does not remove fluoride
1.5mg/l is reported as the máximum safe level but it is in fact still toxic at this level.
There are different methods of testing the fluoride levels, the dipstick method is not the most precise method.
There are more than 70 elements, & we are just testing for fluoride.
Another toxic contaminant is silica – Silicosis is being investigated as a possible cause of the health issues in Tierra Blanca, as is Radon.
Dr Ortega then proposed 2 sets of studies to be done, 1 specifically in Tierra Blanca & the other in the región 500 metres around Tierra Blanca.
An “Encuentro por el Agua” is planned 20/8/11 10am-5pm as a follow up to the diplomado for agua done in 2008/09.
It will be held at the Biblioteca at CAC (Centro Academico Culturo). It will also be open likely to people from the Consejo who have not attended the diplomado but are interested in the topic of Water.
Where: UNAM Juriquilla
When: 3.5.11
Who: Representatives of the Consejo Cata (CdP, President), Abraham & Estela (Tierra Blanca), Roberto (Presita de Santa Rosa/secretary), Saul, Chela, Jesus & Parents of Jesus – (Cedesa), Laura Rotary, Dr Marcos Adrian Ortega Guerrero, & Ramon Aguila – UNAM,
Purpose of the meeting: For Dr Ortega to inform the communities regarding the severity of wáter issues in the región, & to plan the study to attempt to determine the cause of high mortality rate in Tierra Blanca.
Saul, Cata, Abraham, Estela & Roberto met at Bodega Aurerra & travelled with Laura to Juriquilla, Jesus, Chela & Jesus’s parents travelled separately from Cedesa.
Dr Ortega began the discussion with a powerpoint & history of the work he & his colleagues have been carrying out in this región. In 1998 the began work in the área of ground wáter studies. Many organisations collaborated on this study. Once they began work they realised that the one aquifer serviced the 7 municipalities, previously it was thought each área had it’s own.
They bought together the municipalities to fund the study.
Historically there were other lakes in the área talked about by the indigenous peoples but they are not here now, there were also 1000’s of springs, these too have dried up.
There are 2500 wells in the área covered by this aquifer. 127 of them were tested for organic matter & 10 elements. There are many more elements that should be being tested for.
In SMA they are currently only testing for fluoride (not even arsenic, ironically Cedesa just did 2 tests for private individuals in the área beside the DH road, & in both locations the levels were higher than the safe recommended level).
The WHO safe max. Level for arsenic is 0.01 – the Mexican Govt. Safe max. Level is 2.5x higher at .025.
Fluoride is a nasty contaminant, it’s symptoms include, high depression, complications with diabetes, erectile disfunction, bone pain, brain disfunction, damaged teeth, accumulation in major organs, .
When the diabetes complications were mentioned, Cata said in the last 3 yrs 4 or 5 kids of 6-7 yrs old have died from diabetes in Cruz del Palmar. There could be a connection with the high fluoride levels there.
There is no information being publicly provided currently about the fluoride situation in this región. We are doing our best to inform the communities with whom we’re working, as this is a drastic problem & they should avoid drinking the wáter. Chlorine does not remove fluoride
1.5mg/l is reported as the máximum safe level but it is in fact still toxic at this level.
There are different methods of testing the fluoride levels, the dipstick method is not the most precise method.
There are more than 70 elements, & we are just testing for fluoride.
Another toxic contaminant is silica – Silicosis is being investigated as a possible cause of the health issues in Tierra Blanca, as is Radon.
Dr Ortega then proposed 2 sets of studies to be done, 1 specifically in Tierra Blanca & the other in the región 500 metres around Tierra Blanca.
An “Encuentro por el Agua” is planned 20/8/11 10am-5pm as a follow up to the diplomado for agua done in 2008/09.
It will be held at the Biblioteca at CAC (Centro Academico Culturo). It will also be open likely to people from the Consejo who have not attended the diplomado but are interested in the topic of Water.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)