The Vital Role of Clean Water in Rural Development: Insights from El Zarzal, Honduras
Access to clean water is foundational to the health, education, and economic vitality of rural communities worldwide. Despite global efforts, many rural areas still struggle with inadequate water supplies, leading to a cascade of challenges that hinder development and perpetuate poverty. Coffee regions are no exception to this.
Health Implications
Clean water is essential for preventing waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever. Contaminated water sources are a significant health risk, especially in rural regions where healthcare infrastructure may be limited. According to the World Health Organization, unsafe water causes over 485,000 diarrheal deaths each year. Access to clean water reduces the prevalence of these diseases, leading to healthier populations and decreased healthcare costs.
Educational Benefits
The burden of collecting water often falls on women and children, consuming valuable time that could be spent on education. In many developing countries, women and girls spend up to 200 million hours daily collecting water. By providing clean water sources within or near communities, children - particularly girls - can attend school more regularly, improving literacy rates and future economic opportunities.
Economic Development
Reliable access to clean water is a catalyst for economic growth. It enables agricultural productivity, supports livestock health, and allows small businesses to thrive. Communities with dependable water sources can diversify their economies, reduce poverty rates, and improve overall quality of life. Moreover, time saved from fetching water can be redirected towards income-generating activities, further boosting local economies.
The Situation in Honduras
Honduras has made significant progress in closing the coverage gap of water and sanitation services over the past two decades. In 2017, about 95% of the population had access to basic water services, and 81% had access to basic sanitation. However, the distribution of these services remains highly unequal, and service quality is generally low. It is estimated that only 38% of the water delivered in urban areas is safely managed.
Case Study: El Zarzal, Honduras
The village of El Zarzal in Lempira, Honduras exemplifies the transformative impact of clean water access. Prior to intervention, residents faced significant challenges due to inadequate water infrastructure. The existing system, reconstructed by the government in 2007, was in poor condition, with water arriving inconsistently and lacking proper chlorination.
In response, Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung (HRNS), in close partnership with Healing Waters International and with financial support from the Starbucks Foundation, launched a comprehensive WASH project to bring clean and safe water to El Zarzal. Local stakeholders, including the municipality of Tambla and community-based water committees (JAAPS), played an essential role in the planning and implementation process.
The initiative involved the repair of a damaged water intake structure located 7.6 km from the community, installation of a sand filtration system, and renovation of a 10,000-gallon concrete storage tank. A state-of-the-art purification system using ultrafiltration and activated carbon was introduced, capable of delivering up to 120,000 liters of safe water per day. The distribution network was upgraded to ensure reliable household access across all 105 inhabited homes, as well as the local school, health center, and church.
Beyond infrastructure, the project provided training in system operation and financial management to local leaders, and delivered health and hygiene education programs for women and children. Through this multi-dimensional approach, the project aimed to sustainably improve living conditions for the community’s 525 residents. Over time, it is expected that the strengthened water infrastructure and accompanying education programs will not only enhance health and hygiene outcomes, but also foster long-term resilience. Reliable access to clean water has the potential to reduce school absenteeism, lower healthcare costs, and improve agricultural productivity—key drivers of economic stability. Additionally, the training of local water committees and the establishment of community-led financial management are designed to ensure the system’s durability and self-sufficiency well into the future.
Project Outcomes
While the full impact of the new water system in El Zarzal will unfold over time, several anticipated benefits are already emerging:
- Health Improvements: Early observations suggest that access to clean water is helping to reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases, supporting better health outcomes and easing pressure on local health services.
- Educational Gains: With less time needed for water collection, children—particularly girls—are expected to attend school more regularly, contributing to improved educational performance and long-term opportunities.
- Economic Benefits: More reliable water access has begun to support local agriculture and small-scale businesses, potentially strengthening the village economy and reducing household vulnerability.
- Community Empowerment: The project has created opportunities for local engagement and leadership, laying the groundwork for stronger governance and increased ownership over long-term water management.
Today I’m participating in the inauguration of this project with great enthusiasm. As a doctor in El Zarzal, I’ve witnessed firsthand the health problems caused by unsafe drinking water. Especially intestinal illnesses that often affect our most vulnerable, including children under five who sometimes require hospitalization due to dehydration. This project will transform our community by providing access to clean water and helping prevent the diseases that have affected our families for years. - Irma Menjívar, Community Doctor in El Zarzal
Conclusion
Access to clean water is not just a basic human right but a cornerstone of sustainable development. The experience of El Zarzal, Honduras, illustrates how targeted interventions in water infrastructure can lead to substantial improvements in health, education, and economic outcomes for rural communities. Investing in clean water initiatives is essential for empowering communities and fostering long-term resilience. This model is not only impactful, it’s replicable. By combining strong local leadership, innovative technology, and multisector collaboration, HRNS has demonstrated its ability to scale practical WASH solutions in coffee-growing regions. With continued investment, this approach can be expanded to reach more communities in need, turning urgent challenges into lasting development gains.
