Operational evaluation of the Tecniagua university water purification plant as support for the supply of safe water after the 2016 earthquake in Manabí, Ecuador

Original Article

Abstract

The earthquake that struck the Ecuadorian coast on April 16, 2016, caused severe damage to infrastructure and basic services, limiting access to safe drinking water in several communities in the province of Manabí. In this context, the timely supply of safe water is a priority intervention to protect public health and reduce the risks associated with disruptions to supply systems during emergencies. This study aimed to analyze the operational capacity of the Tecniagua university water purification plant to supply safe water after the earthquake. The research was conducted as a case study with an analytical-descriptive approach, based on the analysis of the plant's operational and administrative records, supplemented by documentation and photographic records from the study period. The results showed that the plant had an estimated installed capacity of between 5,000 and 7,000 liters per day and maintained continuous production, bottling, and distribution of purified water for approximately four months. During this period, 9,000 drums, 1,280 bales, and 3,320 bags were distributed, equivalent to approximately 228,560 liters of purified water. Furthermore, the operational organization and student participation allowed for the continuity of production and distribution processes throughout the emergency. It is concluded that university infrastructure with water treatment capacity can complement local disaster response capabilities, becoming strategic resources for the supply of safe water and the strengthening of risk management in emergency contexts.