Improvements to the Water Supply, Wastewater Disposal, and Solid Waste Management Systems for the Zamas Community, Jayuya, P.R.

Abstract

Zamas is a rural community of 1,815 inhabitants located in the mountain area of Jayuya, Puerto Rico. Currently, the Zamas River provides the water that is consumed by the community. Since the water is not filtered and the disinfection is not adequate, it does not comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The sewage generated at each housing unit is disposed either in septic tanks/cesspools or directly over the terrain. The solid wastes are handled biweekly by the Jayuya Municipality and disposed at the Jayuya sanitary landfill. The recycling materials are recovered weekly by the Recycling Center La Pica located in Jayuya, Puerto Rico. Several alternatives were analyzed to improve the water supply, wastewater and solid waste management systems. The selected options were: construction of a distribution tank (with chlorination system) and multi-media filter, septic tanks with double compartment and infiltrator chambers, an aerobic composting, a collection route, and designated containers for recyclable and compostable solid wastes. These are the most feasible options from an environmental, public health, sustainability, and economical perspective.