While studying engineering in college, I began to better understand how important water is as a resource. Access to clean water and proper sanitation is a basic part of daily life, and it has a huge impact on a person’s health and quality of life. In the United States, it can be easy to take this for granted. We turn on a faucet and expect clean, safe drinking water to come out. However, in many places around the world—and even in some parts of the United States—that isn’t always the case.
After graduating, I spent four years working to improve water and sanitation systems in cities across the United States. I helped identify and remove lead water lines, repair and replace aging sewer systems and improve treatment processes at water and wastewater plants. Now, as a Peace Corps volunteer in Perú in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene program, I work with local community leaders to help manage, operate and maintain their drinking water systems.
