The Rural Sanitation Service of the California sector, in Doñihue, and Codelco El Teniente Division commemorated the twelfth anniversary of a collaborative work that has ensured the continuity of the supply thanks to the production of more than 100 thousand cubic meters of drinking water per year and that benefits 65% of the population of the area.

Alfredo Arriagada, president of the service, said that “12 years ago we carried out improvement projects to supply 65% of California's drinking water with this tank. In this way we managed to have a good level to provide pressure to the houses and we have no major problems. We hope to continue with this cooperation because there are not many resources for the services.”

The positive results for the community are possible thanks to a loan that favors the use of Codelco lands, for the installation of a tank with a capacity of 100 cubic meters, managed by the Rural Sanitation Service. During 2023 alone, 112,882 cubic meters were produced.

Cristián Sanhueza, Community Development Director of El Teniente, said that “this support is important because it reinforces our commitment to sustainability and the well-being of the California community in Doñihue. We thank the service for its efforts and reinforce our commitment, which is to generate environmental and social value in the territory where we operate.”

Importance for the residents of the sector

The agreement, valid until 2032, benefits 65% of the population of the sector, which has a length of almost seven kilometers. Currently, the supply of drinking water covers 498 sources, which implies the benefit of more than 1,200 residents of California.

Ivana Contreras, a beneficiary of the drinking water supply, praised the positive impact on her daily life. “I live with my two daughters and if the service did not exist we would not have access to this essential resource. Thanks to this agreement we have water for daily consumption,” she said.