#WASHCanada

NSERC CREATE in Water and Sanitation for Low-resource Contexts #WASHCanada (

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

On Day 19 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we spent our last day in Ibagué at the International Academic Engineering Conference, judging outstanding posters and projects by @uccibaguespinal undergrads.

Later, we celebrated the past few weeks with food, music, and dancing!

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

Day 18 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool featured more research presentations at @uccibaguespinal! We discussed microbial source tracking, Cape Town's Day Zero, #DrinkingWater solutions for vulnerable populations in #Colombia, and more.

We ended the day with a game of Tejo!

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

The #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool wouldn't be possible without @uccibaguespinal!

On Day 17, we showed our appreciation by presenting our research to UCC students, covering topics including #DrinkingWater pricing, #wastewater treatment in emergencies, & the #SpongeCity concept.

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

On Day 16 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we rolled up our sleeves for lab work @uccibaguespinal. We conducted #WaterQuality tests using low-cost microbial methods—each kit costs only $2!

Later, we visited the Museo Panóptico de #Ibagué, a National Cultural Heritage Site.

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

We visited 2 treatment plants on Day 15 of #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool! First, ACUAGYR showed how they supply safe #DrinkingWater from intake to distribution.

Later, we learned the #wastewater entering the Ricaurte WWTP is higher quality than the water in the Bogotá River.

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

By Day 14 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, the salad craving was real! We grabbed produce from local markets, made Green Goddess salad in our hotel rooms, & worked on assignments. Visiting #Colombia's watersheds deepened our appreciation for the land that grew our veggies.

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

On Day 13 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we explored colourful Salento before heading to Cocora Valley—home to some of the tallest palm trees in the world!

On our way back to Ibagué, we visited the Quindío River, a major drinking water source for the city of Armenia.

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

On Day 12 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we headed for Salento—a beautiful historic town in the heart of the mountains.

We crossed one of the highest mountain passes in #Colombia and hit some heavy traffic. The 9 hour trip allowed for plenty of time to bond and reflect!

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

We visited the Calambeo community #DrinkingWaterTreatment system on Day 11 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool! Since 1969, Ascala has provided drinking water without political affiliation. It now serves >1200 people using sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection processes.

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

On Day 10 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we visited Armero, a city of >20,000 people tragically lost to a landslide in 1985.

This field school isn't just about #WASH—it's also about exploring local history, experiencing cultures, & seeing how people & environments adapt.

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

Day 9 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool began at @uccibaguespinal. Dr. Ospina Zuñiga welcomed us to the AQUA lab, where they created a decentralized water treatment device in < 1 m² of space!

Later, we visited Mirador de Juntas & noticed localized pollution near the river.

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

On Day 8 of @NSERC_CRSNG #WASHFieldSchool, we hiked into #Colombia's Central Cordillera & saw how geography limits water supply choices. In Ibagué, pollution & distribution system losses affect drinking water. We planted Nacedero trees along streams to protect the source water.

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

Day 7 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool began with a sunny morning at the fruit market. Later, we learned about #Colombia's Cordillera mountain ranges & reflected on source water protection in a lesson by Drs. Manuel Rodriguez & @PH2E_UVic. Week 1 closed with soccer & a hike!

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

We set off on a breathtaking journey to Ibagué, Colombia's musical capital, for day 6 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool. The warmth was a refreshing change from Bogotá's cool mist!

We were reminded that for #WASH research, context—culture, climate, & community—is critical.

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

On Day 5 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we visited the El Dorado #DrinkingWaterTreatment plant with @AcueductoBogota. The energy used for treatment processes is being upgraded to solar!

The trip took us to Sumapaz Páramo—a drinking water source with breathtaking views.

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

On Day 4 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we visited La Roca Ecobarrio—an eco-neighbourhood with rainwater tanks, compost bins, & gardens. Later, we rode up Monserrate and viewed Bogotá from above. We ended the day learning about the city's water sources w/@AcueductoBogota.

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

Day 3 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool began with a hike to El Verjón Páramo. Surrounded by mist, trainees learned how Frailejón plants contribute to groundwater recharge.

Later, they explored #FernandoBotero's art at #MuseoBotero and indigenous heritage at #MuseoDelOro.

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

Day 2 of the @NSERC_CRSNG #WASHFieldSchool started with a cruise on the Bogotá River led by @CAR_Cundi.

Trainees learned about CAR's work to improve one of the world's most polluted rivers. Wastewater treatment at the El Salitre WWTP has had noticeable effects on water quality!

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

On Day 1 of the @NSERC_CRSNG #WASHFieldSchool, we visited Aguaviva, Bogotá's carbon-neutral park.

This former asphalt plant was transformed into an iconic green space featuring over 8000 tons of reused demolition waste and interactive spaces that bring the water cycle to life.

[#WASHCanada @wash_canada]

This weekend, our trainees headed off to Colombia for the 4th edition of the #WASHFieldSchool!

Over the next few weeks, they will be travelling to link up with Profs. Manuel Rodriguez & Caetano Dorea.