Author(s)

PAÚL CARRIÓN-MERO, JOSUÉ BRIONES-BITAR, EMILY MACÍAS-NÚÑEZ

Abstract

Drinking water (DW) provision in rural areas has always been a problem, either because of the quality requirements or the distribution requirements. The rural parish of Limonal in Ecuador and its surrounding areas have had difficulties in the DW provision. Nowadays, only the parish capital benefits from a DW treatment plant, but it has been small due to the accelerated population growth in recent years. In the present work, the aim is to analyze three alternatives of DW supply through its evaluation in a decision matrix for choosing the best alternative that covers the demand of DW in Limonal and that fulfills a good social acceptance. The methodology proposed in this study was as follows: (i) Technical-social information of the study sector, (ii) Data field collection, (iii) Interpretation of laboratory test results, (iv) Analysis and evaluation of the alternatives proposed by using the decision matrix, and (v) Election of the best alternative. The three alternatives proposed are: AP conduction from the cantonal head; groundwater supply; and rehabilitation and improvement of the treatment plant of the same parish. The alternative chosen was the third one, as it has a lower budget, it also has a better acceptance of the decision makers; and given the experience and practicality, it offered the best conditions in less time.

Keywords

drinking water, decision matrix, Ecuador, potabilization system, rural area, water supply