Beyond the Tap

Demand for water in Latin America is expected to increase tenfold during the next century because of population growth and economic development. Despite improvements in access to water during recent decades, much of the surface water is contaminated from runoff caused by agriculture, livestock and erosion.

Through the Global Water Initiative, Catholic Relief Services helps communities and households protect and better manage their precious water resources by farming and raising livestock responsibly so they don't hurt water quality downstream. Residents take a leading role in planning and building water projects, and most contribute their time and money to construction.

Las Tablas is one such community.

All photos by Karen Kasmauski for CRS