MORE THAN WATER FOR EVERYONE

The phenomenon of informal development in Lima, Peru is an increasingly imperative issue of concern because of the impoverished living conditions of those within the informal communities. Land tenure is the most widely discussed solution to this issue. However, this solution has not adequately addressed the the lack and quality of water and sanitation facilities for the informal areas. Other research has addressed possible water or sanitation facilities, but has failed to address the feasibility of those with low or no monetary resources available to implement the solution. Our project will address the issue of lack of water and sanitation facilities within a family home in Lima, paying special attention to readily available materials. Specifically, we look at providing a complete sanitation system, including an anaerobic biogas digester and a desiccant humidity extractor, to show how previous research can be combined to provide a better way of life for those living in the informal communities. By closely examining the current lifestyle of those in the informal communities, the project will establish design parameters for the anaerobic digester and desiccant humidity extractor to incorporate found materials. Overall, this project exposes the real concern in the informal communities, the lack of necessities available to live a healthy life, and aims to provide the knowledge and means to those in the informal communities to improve life conditions.