Agua limpia y saneamiento

Based on Karla Villamar's master's thesis (ESPOL), a study published in the journal Groundwater for Sustainable Development reveals that mining and urbanization in Santa Rosa, El Oro, have contaminated streams and altered the chemical composition of water reaching local communities. This research, conducted by FICT experts alongside Slovakian colleagues, provides key scientific evidence to improve water management, protect public health, and promote sustainability in mining areas.

ESPOL and the University of Cagliari, with support from the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, are implementing the IsVolc project in Santa Cruz, Galápagos, to strengthen sustainable water management. The initiative includes the delivery of specialized equipment, technical training for staff from the local water authority (EPMAPASC), and the collection of samples at key points such as ‘La Camiseta’ and the ‘El Gallito’ well, with the aim of ensuring water quality and expanding extraction sources.

The Municipal Public Water and Sewerage Company of Santa Cruz (EPMAPASC), Galápagos, is facing a crisis due to a rockfall at its only source of drinking water, the ‘La Camiseta’ intake infrastructure. To address the emergency, the company requested support from ESPOL, whose experts in geology and geotechnics conducted a preliminary assessment of the risks and potential solutions.