Improvements to the Water Supply, Wastewater Disposal, and Solid Waste Management Systems for the Anón Carmelita Community, Ponce-Jayuya, P.R.

Abstract

Anón Carmelita is a rural community of 1,160 inhabitants located in the mountain area of Ponce-Jayuya, Puerto Rico. Currently, the Jauca River provides the water that is consumed by the community. Since the water is not filtered and the disinfection is not adequate, it does not comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The sewage generated at each housing unit is disposed either in septic tanks/cesspools or directly over the terrain. The solid wastes are handled by the Ponce Municipality weekly and disposed at the Ponce sanitary landfill. The recycling materials are recovered weekly by the Recycling Center La Pica located in Jayuya, Puerto Rico. Several alternatives were analyzed to improve the water supply, wastewater and solid waste management systems. The selected options were: the use of a water supply aqueduct, septic tanks with double compartment and infiltrator chambers, an aerobic composting, a collection route, and designated container for recyclable and compostable solid waste. These are the most feasible options from an environmental, public health, sustainability and economical perspective.