A WASH Canada trainee looks at a water sample with a member of Ascala, a water association that has provided drinking water to the community of Calambeo since 1969. Ascala currently provides water to 1200 permanent residents and approximately 400 school students. Ascala was only recently recognized by the local government.

Part of the treatment process at the Calambeo community drinking water treatment system. The system treats water sourced from 11 streams using natural sedimentation, gravel filtration, granular activated carbon filtration, and disinfection.

Members of the WASH Canada Field School listen to Dr. Manuel Rodriguez in a room with white walls.

A large tank filled with water at the Calambeo community drinking water treatment system.

We visited the Calambeo community #DrinkingWaterTreatment system on Day 11 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool!

Since 1969, Ascala has provided drinking water without political affiliation. It now serves >1200 people using sedimentation, gravel and GAC filtration, and disinfection processes.

The exterior of the El Dorado drinking water treatment plant in Colombia.

Solar panels used to power drinking water treatment at the El Dorado plant.

A wooden sign at Natural Sumapaz National Park. Laguna Chisacá Los Tunjos is visible behind the sign.

A person holds a piece of a plant with Laguna Chisacá Los Tunjos in the background. Frailejones surround the reservoir.

On Day 5 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we visited the El Dorado #DrinkingWaterTreatment plant with Acueducto de Bogotá. The energy used for treatment processes is being upgraded to solar!

The trip took us to Sumapaz Páramo—a drinking water source with breathtaking views.