Water ACcess TO ALL
GUATEMALA
IMPACT
200
Water Filters Donated
Solar Lights Donated
200
1000+
People Impacted
Communities Supported
1
GOALS
Our goal in Guatemala is to expand access to clean, safe drinking water while empowering local leaders to champion this work within their own communities.
10,000
Water Filter Systems
50,000+
People Living in San Juan Comalapa
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Water Access To All (W.A.T.A.) works alongside communities in Guatemala to expand access to clean, safe drinking water while empowering local leaders to sustain this work long term. In many highland communities, families rely on untreated water sources or spend significant time and resources boiling water daily, impacting health, education, and quality of life.
Our work in Guatemala began in San Juan Comalapa, a community of approximately 50,000 people, where we partnered with trusted local organizations and educators to introduce sustainable household water filtration systems. Rather than a one-time distribution, WATA focuses on building systems, combining clean water access with training, follow-up, and local leadership, so communities are equipped to manage and grow impact over time.
GOALS IN GUATEMALA
Our goal in Guatemala is to expand access to clean, safe drinking water while empowering local leaders to champion this work within their own communities.
Beginning in San Juan Comalapa, home to roughly 50,000 residents, we are building a foundation for long-term, community-led impact. By pairing clean water access with local leadership and ongoing support, we aim to create systems that can grow to meet the needs of an entire community over time.
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
PHASE 1: Community Partnership & Initial Access
WATA partners with established local organizations to identify community needs and introduce household water filtration systems. Initial distributions prioritize families connected to schools and community hubs, ensuring trusted points of engagement and education.
PHASE 2: Local Leadership & Training
Community members, including students, teachers, and local leaders, are trained on proper filter use, cleaning, and maintenance. Select individuals are empowered as WATA Ambassadors, supporting follow-ups, answering questions, and helping expand access within their communities.
PHASE 3: Long-Term Support & System Strengthening
As access expands, WATA works with partners to strengthen surrounding water systems through safe storage practices, hygiene education, solar lighting, and ongoing monitoring. Follow-up visits and surveys help ensure filters remain in use and functioning over time.
KEYS FOR SUCCESS
Sustainable impact depends on more than providing clean water, it requires people, follow-through, and accountability. Our work in Guatemala is guided by a few core elements that help ensure long-term success:
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Empowered Local Ambassadors
Community members are trained and supported to lead installations, answer questions, and serve as ongoing points of contact.
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Proper Training & Follow-Up
Families receive hands-on training on filter use and maintenance, with follow-up visits to reinforce correct and consistent use.
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Consistent Surveys & Data Collection
Installation and follow-up surveys allow us to track impact, identify challenges early, and improve how we support communities.
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Strong Local Partnerships
Working alongside schools and community organizations ensures trust, cultural alignment, and sustainability.
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Ongoing Support from WATA
From training materials and supplies to return visits and communication, WATA remains actively involved beyond initial setup.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
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Families in San Juan Comalapa gain reliable access to safe drinking water at home.
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Local leaders are equipped with training and tools to support ongoing clean water access.
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Waterborne illness risks are reduced, improving overall community health and well-being.
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Schools and families benefit from reduced time spent boiling water and fewer missed days due to illness.
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A community-led model is established that can expand beyond the initial service area.
LONG-TERM VISION
WATA’s long-term vision in Guatemala is to ensure that every family in San Juan Comalapa has access to clean water, supported by empowered local leaders and strengthened systems that endure well beyond any single trip or intervention.
TRIP LOG
TRIP 1
DATES: 8/31/24 - 9/2/24
COMMUNITY: SAN JUAN COMALAPA
TRIP RECAP
What started as an email with a simple question turned into WATA’s first step into San Juan Comalapa. In partnership with Long Way Home, we distributed 50 household water filters to families connected to the school, introducing clean water access alongside hands-on training. This initial trip was focused on listening, learning, and building trust, understanding community needs while laying the foundation for a long-term, locally led program.
IMPACT
FILTERS DONATED: 50
PEOPLE IMPACTED: 250+
SUPPORT THIS COMMUNITY
Funds raised through this program directly support clean water access in San Juan Comalapa. Donations help provide long-lasting water filtration systems, support community training and follow-ups, and strengthen the systems needed to ensure families have reliable access to safe drinking water over time.
Supporters can also create a personal fundraising page to help expand impact. 100% of the funds raised through your fundraiser go directly toward the Guatemala program, supporting the families and community partners involved in this work.
$12 = A Solar Light
$50 = Clean Water for One Family
All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Water Access To All is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
