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The
Los Toros Water Filter Story About
four years ago we became aware that some people in the village of Los
Toros were not drinking purified water; they could not afford it.
Consequently many people were getting sick - including children! Some
families just could not afford to buy the giant bottles of purified
water that are sold in the small stores (colmados) in the village. We
investigated and tested some filters that used chlorine to purify the
water and found them to be somewhat effective, so we purchased about
fifty of them as a test. The results were not very good; many people did
not understand how to use them and did not add sufficient chlorine or
added it improperly. We then tested some filters that were made of clay
impregnated with silver and then baked to a somewhat ceramic finish. The
results were very good. The filters were easy to use, no chemicals were
needed so the water did not taste of chlorine! When properly cleaned
they can last up to five years. Though the cost of these filters is a
little high for many people in the village, about $900.00 Dominican
Pesos, about US $25.00, the savings over buying bottled water is
significant especially if you add it up for five years! So we started
the Water Filter Project. At
first the people in the village were a little hesitant to drink water
that had not been chemically treated, but after a few people started
using them they have become popular. People now realize the savings over
buying bottled water as well as the convenience of these new filters.
The village people started calling them Filtros de Barro - Clay Filters
- and the demand is now great. To
encourage the people to take responsibility for the Water Filter Project
we organized a Water Filter Cooperative and invited people to join. For
a small fee they can become a member and get on the list to receive a
Water Filter. The cooperative is working to educate people about the use
of water as well as giving information about health issues and
sanitation. About one hundred families have joined the cooperative and
now have filters. There is now a waiting list to join the cooperative
and get a water filter and as we raise funds both through the
cooperative and through outside sources we will make more filters
available. To see a photo story of the Water Filters - click here for English or here for Espanol! For More information about Los Toros visit our Mission Web Page - www.lostorosmission.com
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