Environmental and geographic evaluation of hand pumps in rural Dominican Republic

Hand pumps donated to rural communities in the Dominican Republic were surveyed and water quality testing was carried out in order to assess current function status and environmental and geographic vulnerabilities of the pumps, including the possible impact of tropical storms (T.S.) in 2007. Surveyors observed the conditions around the pumps and interviewed pump users regarding water handling and usage, perceived water quality, and the impact of T.S. Noel or Olga on the pumps. Standard physical-chemical and bacteriologic drinking water quality testing was carried out on 52 pumps. Geographic data regarding flood zones, aquifer type, and water availability type was incorporated into the analysis using ESRI's ArcMap GIS software. Environmental factors, geographical factors, and water quality were analyzed for relationships using Fisher's exact test and multivariate analysis. Factors associated with poor water quality included presence of latrines, garbage, and puddles near the pump, erosion of the platform, and vandalism. Poor water quality was unexpectedly associated more with pumps that had been installed on newly drilled boreholes than those placed on already existing boreholes. Few pumps had been affected by the tropical storms of 2007, and no association was found with poor water quality. Location of pumps on limestone aquifers was associated with poor water quality. Overall 25% of the wells did not function, 66% had perceived poor water quality, and 83% of pumps that had water quality testing done did not meet standards for potable water.