PERU — In the dusty highlands of Llinquipata, Peru, the daily search for water once involved a strenuous one-hour round trip on uneven terrain to collect contaminated water from the river or shallow, hand-dug wells. The absence of proper sanitation forced residents to rely on makeshift latrines located more than a half mile from their homes. For many, including 70-year-old Paulino, the lack of clean water and proper sanitation compounded their daily struggles, making a source of safe, clean water a seemingly distant dream.

Paulino’s wife passed away years ago, and his children have grown and moved away. He continues to work hard to provide for himself, including collecting water, a task that has become increasingly difficult with age.

“We cannot live without water,” Paulino said. “And as I grow older, the fatigue sets in more, making the journey to the river or searching for water in the old hand-dug wells exhausting. It is hard to live in such conditions. We struggle a lot.”

The Love of GOD with the Gift of Clean Water in Peru

Amid these challenges, the generosity of friends of Operation Blessing has brought life-changing access to clean water and hygiene stations to the community.

Operation Blessing has successfully drilled a well and equipped it with a solar-powered water pump and a 2,500-gallon elevated storage tank. The water is then cleaned and filtered before flowing directly to each household. Each family has also received a hygiene station, which includes a biodigester toilet, shower, and sink for handwashing. The community has also received education on proper handwashing and hygiene practices.

The provision of access to clean water and sanitation is a gift that Llinquipata will never forget.

Paulino expressed his gratitude, “I am thrilled! I never thought something like this would happen here. Before, getting water was painful, but now we no longer need to walk to the river or hand-dug wells for water. Clean water in Peru now comes to our houses! Thank you very much, friends.”

About Operation Blessing

Operation Blessing (OB) provides humanitarian services such as strategic disaster relief, medical aid, hunger relief, clean water and community development. Founded in 1978, Operation Blessing has touched the lives of millions of people in more than 90 countries and every state.

Read more news on Humanitarian Services and Clean Water on Missions Box.