Improvements to the Water Supply, Wastewater Disposal, and Solid Waste Management Systems for the Edem Community, San Lorenzo, P.R.

Abstract

Edem is a rural community of 175 inhabitants located in the mountain area of San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico. Currently, the Emajagua 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 weekly by the San Lorenzo Municipality and disposed at the Juncos sanitary landfill. The recycling materials are recovered weekly by the San Lorenzo Municipality. Several alternatives were analyzed to improve the water supply, wastewater and solid waste management systems. The selected options were: the rehabilitation of the existing well, septic tanks with double compartment and infiltrator chambers, an aerobic composting, a collection route, and designated container for recyclable and compostable solid wastes. These are the most feasible options from an environmental, public health, sustainability, and economical perspective.