ECUADOR
Implementation Trip
Caltech Engineers Without Borders (EWB) traveled to Tandacto, Ecuador in May 2026 to oversee and help with construction of an improved water catchment and distribution system.
Project Background
Caltech Engineers Without Borders (EWB) has partnered with the community of Tandacato, Ecuador to restore reliable access to clean drinking water. Tandacato, located near the base of the Cotopaxi volcano, is home to approximately 2,100 residents who rely on a gravity-fed water system consisting of three water sources, three storage tanks, and a distribution network serving roughly 500 households.
For nearly 30 years, the community depended on a spring-fed water system originating in the surrounding forest. In 2021, major landslides buried the primary groundwater catchment and damaged large portions of the distribution pipeline. Temporary repairs kept water flowing intermittently, but frequent pipe failures often left residents without water. Damaged pipelines also allowed sediment and contaminants to enter the system, while inconsistent chlorination occasionally resulted in cloudy ("milky") water. Our goal is to provide Tandacato with a reliable supply of clean, safe drinking water.
Water Source 3
Assessment Trip
In May 2023, the Caltech EWB team traveled to Tandacato to assess the existing water system and work directly with community members to understand their needs. The trip was featured in a Caltech news article.
Over five days, our team surveyed the entire water system—from the water sources to the distribution network—and collected data including:
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Geospatial and elevation surveys
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Dimensions of existing infrastructure
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Water flow rates at catchments and storage tanks
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Pipe lengths, diameters, and locations
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LIDAR data for slope stability analysis
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Drone imagery used to generate a detailed site map
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On-site water quality testing
Beyond technical data collection, we collaborated closely with the community through town hall meetings, household conversations, and social surveys to ensure the final design reflected local priorities and long-term needs.
Based on our assessment, we identified three primary objectives:
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Repair and improve the main groundwater catchment
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Replace the most vulnerable sections of the distribution pipeline
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Improve the storage tanks to increase capacity and reduce water loss
Design Phase
Following the assessment trip, our team spent the next three years designing improvements to create a more reliable and resilient water system.
Our original plan was to reinforce the existing primary catchment with a gabion retaining wall. However, additional landslides completely buried the catchment before construction could begin, making rehabilitation impossible. Instead, we redesigned the project around a new groundwater catchment protected by a reinforced retaining wall. Working alongside local contractors and professional engineers, we completed the structural and hydraulic design to ensure the new system could withstand the site's challenging terrain.
We also redesigned the community's primary distribution pipeline. The original pipeline was installed beneath a dirt roadway, where erosion and vehicle traffic had exposed sections of pipe, making them susceptible to damage and contamination. Because rerouting the pipeline across adjacent private property was not feasible, the new design shifted the alignment toward the edge of the roadway, buried the pipe at a greater depth, and upgraded it to a larger diameter with a higher pressure rating.
Finally, we added float valves between the storage tanks to maximize storage capacity and prevent unnecessary overflow.
Implementation Trip
In May 2026, the Caltech EWB team returned to Tandacato to implement the project, as covered in this Caltech media article. Prior to our arrival, community members prepared the pipeline trenches while a local contractor began construction of the new catchment structure.
Built new main catchment
Laid new pipeline
Added new fittings to tanks
Over six days, our team worked alongside residents to install and connect the new pipeline while monitoring construction of the catchment. Once construction was complete, we conducted flow rate measurements and water quality testing at both the catchment and storage tanks. Results showed significant improvements in water quality and system performance, although additional work is still needed to better regulate chlorine dosing throughout the distribution system.
The project was made possible through close collaboration with the Tandacato community. At the conclusion of the implementation trip, community members hosted a celebration and presented our team with a commemorative plaque in recognition of the partnership.
Current Status
The Phase I improvements have significantly increased the reliability and quality of Tandacato's drinking water. However, challenges remain.
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Pipelines serving the community's second catchment remain exposed, allowing contaminants to enter the water supply. Although the newly constructed catchment provides high-quality water, it does not produce enough flow to meet the needs of the entire community. As a result, Tandacato must occasionally rely on the contaminated secondary source.
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Phase II of the project will focus on restoring the second catchment, protecting its pipeline from future contamination, and further improving the community's water treatment system. These upgrades will help ensure that every household has consistent access to clean, safe drinking water.
Get Involved
Projects like this are only possible through strong partnerships between engineers, local communities, and supporters around the world. If you're interested in contributing through volunteering, technical expertise, or financial support, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Home and Donate pages to learn how you can help make a lasting impact.