Prior to the installation of the three water tanks and a water pump, families waited by the windmill all day for water. Midnight or dawn was the best time to get on line in a preferential position in the long queue to get the water, whenever water was available. Children were always suffering from diarrhea, parasites, and in many cases, typhus. Thanks to USAID's response to La Esperanza, water is now abundant and available. Community leaders have learned to chlorinate the water. Children are healthier and families have access to water all day long.

"Before the hurricane, we waited hours and hours for a bucket of water. Our lives have changed. Before the hurricane, the children used to drink contaminated water and have diarrhea. They now drink the water and they are safe. We now chlorinate the water."
- Domingo Felician, President of the Community Water Committee.