Access to clean water changes everything.
The Rotary Club of Vail Edwards is currently seeking project partners and donors to support Global Grant GG2688080, a transformative water and sanitation initiative that will bring safe drinking water to hundreds of families in Tipacoque, Colombia. As the international partner for the project, the club is inviting Rotary clubs and districts to join this effort to improve health, reduce waterborne disease, and create sustainable change for generations to come. With District Designated Funds (DDF) still available, clubs have a unique opportunity to multiply their impact through this important global project.
The Rotary Club of Vail Edwards is serving as the international partner for Global Grant GG2688080, a transformative water and sanitation project that will bring safe drinking water to vulnerable communities in Tipacoque, Colombia.
Located in the Department of Boyacá, Tipacoque has long struggled with access to clean water. In fact, the municipality has historically relied on water transported from a neighboring department more than 25 kilometers away. The lack of reliable drinking water has contributed to significant health challenges, particularly in rural areas where waterborne illnesses remain common.
Building on previous Rotary-supported efforts, local Rotary leaders have already helped install two water treatment plants and water filtration systems that now serve more than 1,300 residents. Those projects were completed through partnerships that included Disaster Aid International and the Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills in Australia.
The new Global Grant project will expand those successes by installing, assembling, and operating an additional water treatment plant serving the rural communities of El Nogal and La Carrera. These areas currently lack access to safe drinking water, resulting in frequent gastrointestinal illnesses linked to contaminated water sources.
Once completed, the project will provide clean drinking water to approximately 250 households, two schools, and the surrounding rural communities, directly benefiting an estimated 1,200 people. The grant also includes training for community leaders and local water board members on plant operation and maintenance, along with education programs focused on sanitation, hygiene practices, and responsible water use.
The project's ultimate goal is simple but profound: reduce disease, improve public health, and enhance quality of life for children, families, and older adults.
As Rotarians, we understand that access to clean water changes lives. It improves health, strengthens communities, supports education, and creates opportunities for economic growth. With District Designated Funds (DDF) still available, this project represents an opportunity for Rotary Clubs throughout District 5470 to help create lasting impact far beyond our borders.
For more information about supporting this project, contact Reggie O'Brien, Chair of the International Committee for the Vail Edwards Rotary Club, at (970) 331-1709.