( source:http://blogs.cuit.columbia.edu/haitienvironment/port-a-piment-potable-water-source-project/)
Port-a-Piment is located in the Sud Department of Haiti and has a population of 6,000. During Hurricane Sandy – which swept over the Caribbean in October 2012 – the water supply system for the city sustained extensive damages. The original water supply network consisted of water from a mountain reservoir which was piped for 8 to 10 miles to the city’s municipal distribution system which then provided water to individual households connected to the system. This system provided water to 400 clients and had a reservoir capacity of 179 m3. Since the pipes transporting water from the reservoir to the distribution system were destroyed during the hurricane, the city has not had a source of clean and reliable water for over one year.
Labeyi Water Source
The water reservoir in the town of Labeyi (pictured in photo to the left) has been identified as a potential source to replace the damaged water supply system for Port-a-Piment. This reservoir is located much closer to the city than the previous mountain reservoir, thus there would be less losses associated with piping the water to the main distribution network. The water is also believed to be replenished from a groundwater reservoir, which through natural filtration and little nearby human activity could make it acceptable for domestic and potable uses.
CU Hydrology is working with Konbit Pou Potapiman (KPP) to assess the feasibility of the Labeyi water source for providing water to the town of Port-a-Piment.