June Project Status Update: Clean Water Systems in Action and On the Horizon
Press Release
June marks a month of significant milestones across Vera Aqua Vera Vita’s clean water projects in the Piura region of Peru. In Las Mercedes KM11, the community has achieved incredible momentum with their Water Tanker Truck now fully delivered, purchased, and already in use. Meanwhile, in La Merced, our newly launched project continues critical water source testing that will soon shape the community’s future access to safe water.
We are proud to share this month’s progress as both communities move closer to sustainable, community-led water solutions.
Las Mercedes KM11: Truck Delivered, Community Activated, and Operations Beginning Soon
Las Mercedes KM11 community members get community-managed, clean water water delivered to their homes via truck for the first time in its history! June 10, 2025.
In June, Las Mercedes KM11 reached a major breakthrough. The Water Tanker Truck—a critical part of the community’s clean water system—was delivered from Lima to Piura on June 9th and safely stored in the community. The very next day, the community leaders organized and successfully used the truck for the very first time to deliver water, marking a powerful and practical step forward! This truck test run on June 10th got the community excited for the upcoming system and provided immediate relief for families in need!
By June 13, the truck’s purchase was officially completed and registered in front of a Notary Public in Piura, fully finalizing the legal transaction. Alongside this, VAVV completed a draft Operation & Maintenance Protocol Document to guide the safe and efficient use of the truck for years to come.
Another exciting development: the Infrastructure Funding Agreement with the Regional Government of Piura (GRP) was approved by both the Office of Economics and Engineering Management on June 20. This agreement is essential for helping secure the remaining funds needed to complete the water system’s construction and related infrastructure.
On June 22, the community gathered for a General Assembly with nearly 100 residents in attendance to elect new Clean Water System Committee (CWSC) leadership, selecting four new leaders: Héctor Sernaqué Yesquén as President, Esgar Nieves Atarama as Vice President, Pedro Yovera Juarez as Secretary, and Josefa Flores Mauricio as Treasurer. This committee formation is vital to local ownership, accountability, and making sure this solution serves community needs for generations to come.
Community leaders tally the votes from over 100 community members and announce the four elected individuals who will serve on the CWSC. June 22, 2025.
The four elected CWSC leaders stand together in front of their community as their new roles are announced to the community. June 22, 2025.
VAVV is now anticipating the final signature from the President of the Regional Government on the Funding Plan Agreement, which is expected to be completed by the end of June.
Looking ahead, July is shaping up to be a transformational month. In the coming weeks, we aim to assist the community in:
Registering the new Water Committee and establish its business bank account.
Securing the Environmental Approval Permit from the government to commence operations.
Setting the community’s initial water sale rates and hiring a paid system operator and truck driver.
Beginning full-scale water distribution and sales operations by mid-to-late July.
La Merced: Finalizing Water Source Testing and Preparing for Community Decision
Meanwhile, La Merced is steadily progressing through the water source evaluation phase. In June, our partner engineer from the University of Piura completed the water quality testing and contamination analysis for both the local well and the nearby canal.
On June 21, a comprehensive contamination profile for the underground water source was completed, which is crucial to determining the specific water treatment required if the well is selected. By June 23, the full test results from both sources were finalized, providing a clear scientific foundation to guide the community’s next steps.
In July, VAVV will present the results to the community, allowing them to choose their preferred water source. If the well proves to be the desired solution, additional technical evaluations—such as pump tests and subsurface geo-electrical surveys—will be conducted to determine the best drilling site and to assess long-term sustainability.
While La Merced’s path is just beginning, this month’s progress positions the project for significant decisions and next steps in the weeks ahead.
Looking Ahead: You Can Move These Projects Forward
The communities of Las Mercedes KM11 and La Merced are working tirelessly with our team to bring lasting, dignified clean water solutions to their people. With leadership in place, trucks delivered, and testing complete, there is serious momentum—but we need your support to follow through.
Our Capital Campaign is still underway to fully fund the final phases of construction, equipment, and operational needs. Your donation directly supports the delivery, distribution, and sustainability of clean water in these communities.
