Our project is to provide safe drinking water for the village of
Cuchiverachi which resides in the mountains of western Mexico.
The people are part of an indigenous tribe known as the
Tarahumara. In the 1600’s, the Spaniards arrived in search of
gold and silver, as well as to bring Christianity by the Jesuit
missionaries to the Tarahumara. The Jesuit era lasted until 1767
when the Tarahumara were expelled from Mexico by Spain. The
Tarahumara were pushed westward into less desirable mountain
lands out of the main lands of the state of Chihuahua and were
mostly left alone by the government. Contact was minimized. They
have a unique style of clothing that is very colorful and
beautiful. They travel almost completely by foot and are
renowned for their long distance running capabilities. A nearby
hospital has reported many cases of illnesses in this region
caused by tainted drinking water and has concern for their
sanitary practices (as there are no human waste systems in
place). There are a number of natural spri