Improvements to the water supply, wastewater disposal, and solid waste management systems for Quebrada Honda Community, Guayanilla, P. R.

Abstract

Quebrada Honda is a rural community of 240 inhabitants located in the mountain area of Guayanilla, Puerto Rico. Currently, a natural ravine provides the water that is consumed by the community. Since the water is not filtered nor disinfected, 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 generated solid wastes are handled by the Guayanilla Municipality biweekly and disposed at the Yauco sanitary landfill, but at given times no collection occurs. The recycling materials are recovered biweekly by the L & M Waste Company, but not in the entire community. Several alternatives were analyzed in order to improve the water supply, wastewater and solid waste management systems. The selected options were: a slow sand filter, two chambers septic tanks with distribution box and percolation trenches, an aerobic composting, a recycling route, and designated container for non-recyclable and non-compostable solid waste. These are the most feasible options from an environmental, public health, sustainability, and economical perspectives.