Exploring Case Study 1

Test Yourself

Study Case Study 1 and answer the following questions.

2. How is it that people die of diarrhea?

3. In Miguel's village, how did the sources of water become contaminated? How did this contamination affect Miguel's family?

4. How do higher well walls and covers help to protect the water?

5. What training did the villagers receive as part of their water project?

6. Why didn't the people from the water project dig the wells and install the handpumps themselves?

7. Find Bolivia in the Data Table. What is the 1989-95 percentage of the population with access to safe water? What is the 1980-95 population growth rate? What is the 1995 GNP per capita? If more projects like the one in Miguel's village were to increase the percentage of people with access to safe water, what changes might you expect to see in these and other indicators? Explain you answer.

8. Go to the Data Table and find out how the 1989-95 percentage of the population with access to safe water in Bolivia compares with that of your country. Would a project like the one outlined in the case study work in your community? Explain your answer.

9. Are you aware of any community-run utilities (water, electric, or gas providers) where you live? What might be some advantages of such programs? What might be some disadvantages?

10. How does your community help ensure that the water you drink is safe?

11. What kind of water supply problems, if any, might your community face?