The world has a finite amount of clean, reliable drinking water.  This scarcity is an acute problem in some parts of the world.  For example, according to Water for People, water and sanitation-related illnesses are the second highest cause of mortality in Guatemala.  Due to damages to their old system, most of the 3,030 inhabitants of San Lorenzo El Tejar and Los Cafetales, many of whom are children, only have access to running water in their homes two hours a day.  Some homes only receive water before dawn.

The student chapters of Engineers without Borders of the University of California, Riverside and Cal Poly Pomona working with the Inland Empire professional chapter hope to improve these conditions.  The local residents are willing to supply the labor for construction.  However, there is still a need for design, materials, supplies, and equipment. We are students and professional engineers volunteering our time and expertise to this important project.  We are working with a non-governmental agency which can arrange low cost housing and food in Guatemala.  To raise funds we are organizing a Water Scare 5K run and 1K and costume contest for kids. The event will take place at the University of California, Riverside Saturday, October 31.