Save The Lake through Rural Water Supply and Sanitation
According to the Global Nature Fund, Lake Atitlan is one of the most endangered lakes in the world. The lake is incredibly beautiful and picturesque. Ernest Hemmingway visited and was quoted: "Lake Atitlan is so beautiful it hurts". The Lake is home to 400,000 Kaqchikel, Quiche and Tz'utujil Mayans. The 50 square mile, 1,100 ft deep crater lake is surrounded by three volcanoes. The lake is a cultural Mayan icon. Mayans believe they originally emerged from the Lake.
Recent data documents that the top layer of the lake is eutrophying quickly and is no longer suitable as a source of potable water. Over the years the toxic blue-green algae and cyanobacteria growth has spiked. We will clean the entire watershed from the top down by providing potable water and sanitation to all rural residents. We will use springs or wells for water sources and distribute the water to each home.
To ensure sustainable sanitation, we will connect multiple homes to biodigesters and the effluent will be further cleaned with aquatic plants. Our first Global Grant is almost complete in Nuevo Progreso and Chocol, Santa Lucia Utatlan. Santa Lucia is the municipality in the highest elevation of the watershed. Phase 2 is underway in Chuitzam and Chuiti Estancia. We are now raising money for Phase 3. Bill Skinner of the Rotary Club of Alberta Canada is taking the lead. You can reach Bill at: sunboldcalgary@gmail.com. While providing water and sanitation are laudable goals, our fundamental objective is to reduce poverty and Clean the Lake. We intend to accomplish our goals with multiple global grants of $200,000 each. We welcome donations of any type. For more information on our Save the Lake Program, please contact Bruce Clemens at bruce.wayne.clemens@gmail.com.
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