Rainwater Treatment in Informal Settlements with a One Health Approach and Community Service Learning: Case Study of San Isidro Patios, Bogotá, Colombia

Access to drinking water is one of the key factors in determining the quality of life within a terri-tory. Throughout history, civilizations have developed around water, due to its essential role in sustaining health, productivity and well-being. In contexts of scarcity, people often rely on surface sources, rainwater, wells must purchase water at high prices. Without a formal supply system, such as an aqueduct, the use of alternative sources increases the risk of waterborne disease out-breaks, which severely impacts community health. Therefore, this project, applying a “One Health” approach and the service-learning methodology, aims to transfer knowledge on a rain-water harvesting and treatment system to the community involver in the educational processes led by Altos del cabo by Fondacio in the San Isidro Patios neighborhood, Bogota, Colombia. This project encompassed territorial assessment, technological design and implementation, and edu-cation on healthy housing, focusing on access to water as a fundamental element for hygiene and public health. Collaboration among academic institutions, , non-governmental organizations and the local community resulted in a sustainable solution to the drinking water shortage in this vul-nerable urban area.