Access to Clean and Safe Water in Low-Income Minority Communities

Evidently, clean and safe water has become a great commodity for both national and international community in the modern society. Although man states in the United States have access to clean and safe water, there are some areas that experience challenges in achieving the same. One such community is Sandbranch, Texas; here, there has been no running water since its establishment, more than 100 years ago; additionally, the community has been depending on donated water for almost 30 years. Essentially, the community is comprised of approximately 80 residents who are from minority groups and living below the poverty threshold as established by the federal government (Hawkins 368). In Sandbranch, there is no clean source of water, an aspect that has brought about challenges in as far as access to clean and safe water is concerned. Moreover, the donated bottled water does not serve to satisfy the needs of the community, and is often short in supply. Residents here consider clean water a great commodity; some treat water like gold, due to its scarcity. In Sandbranch, there are no water pipes, sewerages; the problem of access to clean water is serious to a point that people do not bathe. Research indicates that Sandbranch problems stem from being small, unincorporated, and situated in a floodplain. All the aspects make it difficult to establish new development projects, which would help solve the challenges of access to clean and safe water (Hawkins 369). Ironically, this community is surrounded by areas with abundant water; according to the residents, everyone around them has water, but Sandbranch. Evidently, low-income minority areas in the United States are often blighted by environmental problems, particularly tainted water.

Project Proposal

Since the area is not serviced by a municipality, the first step would be to approach the authorities in Dallas, in efforts to deliberate a way forward for the community. The first initiative towards a solution for Sandbranch would be to incorporate Sandbranch into the Dallas County to make sure that it can access developmental funds from the municipal government. Alternatively, the leaders in this community can seek a waiver from the court regarding the policy on sale of water to unincorporated community, which has been established in Dallas. As such, Dallas County will provide resources that will help lay water pipes and sewer systems for Sandbranch. Additionally, Sandbranch should seek the TCD funds that will play a significant role in building a water line extension from Dallas to the community (Wescoat, James, Lisa, and Rebecca 808). Since the areas surrounding this community have water, extension pipes should be laid to source clean and safe water from existing city of Dallas water to Sandbranch.

In essence, the city would supply water to Sandbranch residents as monthly customers; as such, the community will have access to clean water for drinking and bathing. Since the main problem is lack of an effective piping system, I would also approach donors and apply for Development Program grants. As a consequence, Sandbranch can have a piping system that will allow them access water from several water plants such as the Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant. The second solution will be building a community well for the residents of Sandbranch. However, the water from such wells is not clean for consumption; it will be used for flushing the toilets, cleaning when it is boiled, and other chores that do not require clean water (Morriss, Bruce, and Terry 335). Funds to build several wells in the community will collected through a fund-raiser, where members will contribute towards establishment of a source of water that will benefit every individual in society.

Work Cited

Hawkins, Robert. "In Search of the Blues: A Journey to the Soul of Black Texas."(2012): 367-369.

Morriss, Andrew P., Bruce Yandle, and Terry L. Anderson. "Principles for Water."Tul. Envtl. LJ 15 (2001): 335.

Wescoat Jr, James L., Lisa Headington, and Rebecca Theobald. "Water and poverty in the United States."Geoforum 38.5 (2007): 801-814.