Here is an update on the Water Filters Project in Puerto Vallarta that we contributed to: After receiving the $3,000 District 5960 grant in December, $4,900 from 5 other Twin Cities Rotary clubs during this past summer and fall and $1,000 from our Arden Hills/Shoreview Rotary, the Water Filters for Families project in conjunction with the Puerto Vallarta (MX) South Rotary Club is underway. The host Puerto Vallarta Sur club is contributing $100 and all of the volunteer time and expertise to manage the project, educate families on use of the filters and continuing follow-up and monitoring.
Water filters will go to needy families in small communities where it is not feasibility to have public water supply and the drinking water is currently not clean. Families must sign a contract for maintenance of the filters and, since there is on-going Rotary involvement in each community (generally in schools or scholarships), there will be monitoring for continued use.
We have confirmed that the funds will purchase 165 water filters with food-quality buckets, decals for instructions and related delivery and expenses. The 27% import tax has been waived after an extensive application process by the Mexican Rotary club. The plan is for water filters to be delivered with education to:
1. Pueblos of Los Rostrojos and Paolo, located 15km south of El Tuito(a small city south of Puerto Vallarta where a Rotary club was recently started),
2. Very small villages near Los Lobos and Los Llanito up the mountains east of Puerto Vallarta, and
3. Fishing villages of Los Animos and Pizoto accessible only by boats south of Boca de Tomatlan.
We hope to have at least one distribution of water filters during February and potentially the remainder in March. Andy and Ginny Sall will be in Puerto Vallarta to observe and work with the Puerto Vallarta Sur Rotarians during January, February and March. Photos and reports will be prepared for each distribution site.
Funds for the District 5960 grant came from contributions to the Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation. Other Twin Cities Rotary clubs participating are: Burnsville Noon, Coon Rapids, New Brighton/Mounds View, Roseville and West St. Paul/Mendota Heights. It’s a great Rotary team project for which everyone should feel proud.
