@washcanada.bsky.social
On Day 19 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we wrapped up our time in Ibagué at the International Academic Engineering Conference, judging outstanding posters and projects by Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia undergrads.
Later, we celebrated the past few weeks with food, music, and dancing!
Later, we celebrated the past few weeks with food, music, and dancing!
May 24, 2025 at 8:18 PM
On Day 19 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we wrapped up our time in Ibagué at the International Academic Engineering Conference, judging outstanding posters and projects by Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia undergrads.
Later, we celebrated the past few weeks with food, music, and dancing!
Later, we celebrated the past few weeks with food, music, and dancing!
Day 18 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool featured more research presentations at Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia! 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!
We ended the day with a game of Tejo!
May 23, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Day 18 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool featured more research presentations at Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia! 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!
We ended the day with a game of Tejo!
The #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool wouldn't be possible without Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia!
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.
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.
May 22, 2025 at 3:06 PM
The #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool wouldn't be possible without Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia!
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.
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.
On Day 16 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we rolled up our sleeves for lab work at Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. 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.
May 21, 2025 at 2:28 PM
On Day 16 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we rolled up our sleeves for lab work at Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. 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.
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 that the #wastewater entering the Ricaurte WWTP is of higher quality than the water flowing in the Bogotá River.
Later, we learned that the #wastewater entering the Ricaurte WWTP is of higher quality than the water flowing in the Bogotá River.
May 20, 2025 at 7:16 PM
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 that the #wastewater entering the Ricaurte WWTP is of higher quality than the water flowing in the Bogotá River.
Later, we learned that the #wastewater entering the Ricaurte WWTP is of higher quality than the water flowing in the Bogotá River.
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, and worked on assignments.
Visiting the watersheds in #Colombia has deepened our appreciation for the land that grew our vegetables.
Visiting the watersheds in #Colombia has deepened our appreciation for the land that grew our vegetables.
May 19, 2025 at 3:48 PM
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, and worked on assignments.
Visiting the watersheds in #Colombia has deepened our appreciation for the land that grew our vegetables.
Visiting the watersheds in #Colombia has deepened our appreciation for the land that grew our vegetables.
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.
On our way back to Ibagué, we visited the Quindío River, a major drinking water source for the city of Armenia.
May 19, 2025 at 12:12 AM
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.
On our way back to Ibagué, we visited the Quindío River, a major drinking water source for the city of Armenia.
On Day 12 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we headed for Salento—a beautiful historic town in the heart of the mountains.
We crossed El Alto de La Línea, one of the highest mountain passes in #Colombia, & hit some heavy traffic. The 9 hour trip allowed for plenty of time to bond and reflect!
We crossed El Alto de La Línea, one of the highest mountain passes in #Colombia, & hit some heavy traffic. The 9 hour trip allowed for plenty of time to bond and reflect!
May 18, 2025 at 12:56 AM
On Day 12 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we headed for Salento—a beautiful historic town in the heart of the mountains.
We crossed El Alto de La Línea, one of the highest mountain passes in #Colombia, & hit some heavy traffic. The 9 hour trip allowed for plenty of time to bond and reflect!
We crossed El Alto de La Línea, one of the highest mountain passes in #Colombia, & hit some heavy traffic. The 9 hour trip allowed for plenty of time to bond and reflect!
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, gravel and GAC filtration, and disinfection processes.
Since 1969, Ascala has provided drinking water without political affiliation. It now serves >1200 people using sedimentation, gravel and GAC filtration, and disinfection processes.
May 16, 2025 at 2:36 PM
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, gravel and GAC filtration, and disinfection processes.
Since 1969, Ascala has provided drinking water without political affiliation. It now serves >1200 people using sedimentation, gravel and GAC filtration, and disinfection processes.
On Day 10 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we visited Armero, a city of >20,000 people that was tragically lost to a landslide in 1985.
This field school isn't just about #WASH - it's also about exploring local history, experiencing cultures, and seeing how people and environments adapt.
This field school isn't just about #WASH - it's also about exploring local history, experiencing cultures, and seeing how people and environments adapt.
May 15, 2025 at 3:35 PM
On Day 10 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we visited Armero, a city of >20,000 people that was tragically lost to a landslide in 1985.
This field school isn't just about #WASH - it's also about exploring local history, experiencing cultures, and seeing how people and environments adapt.
This field school isn't just about #WASH - it's also about exploring local history, experiencing cultures, and seeing how people and environments adapt.
Day 9 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool began at Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. 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.
Later, we visited Mirador de Juntas & noticed localized pollution near the river.
May 14, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Day 9 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool began at Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. 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.
Later, we visited Mirador de Juntas & noticed localized pollution near the river.
On Day 8 of #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we hiked into #Colombia's Central Cordillera & saw how geography influences technical choices for water supplies. In Ibagué, pollution & distribution system losses affect drinking water. We planted Nacedero trees along streams to protect the source water.
May 13, 2025 at 4:00 PM
On Day 8 of #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we hiked into #Colombia's Central Cordillera & saw how geography influences technical choices for water supplies. In Ibagué, pollution & distribution system losses affect drinking water. We planted Nacedero trees along streams to protect the source water.
Day 7 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool began with a sunny morning at the fruit market.
Later, we learned about the Cordillera mountain ranges in #Colombia & reflected on source water protection in a lesson by Drs. Manuel Rodriguez & Caetano Dorea.
Week 1 closed with soccer & a hike!
Later, we learned about the Cordillera mountain ranges in #Colombia & reflected on source water protection in a lesson by Drs. Manuel Rodriguez & Caetano Dorea.
Week 1 closed with soccer & a hike!
May 12, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Day 7 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool began with a sunny morning at the fruit market.
Later, we learned about the Cordillera mountain ranges in #Colombia & reflected on source water protection in a lesson by Drs. Manuel Rodriguez & Caetano Dorea.
Week 1 closed with soccer & a hike!
Later, we learned about the Cordillera mountain ranges in #Colombia & reflected on source water protection in a lesson by Drs. Manuel Rodriguez & Caetano Dorea.
Week 1 closed with soccer & a hike!
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.
We were reminded that for #WASH research, context—culture, climate, & community—is critical.
May 11, 2025 at 4:58 PM
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.
We were reminded that for #WASH research, context—culture, climate, & community—is critical.
On Day 5 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we visited the El Dorado #DrinkingWaterTreatment plant with Acueducto de Bogotá. 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.
The trip took us to Sumapaz Páramo—a drinking water source with breathtaking views.
May 10, 2025 at 2:30 PM
On Day 5 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we visited the El Dorado #DrinkingWaterTreatment plant with Acueducto de Bogotá. 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.
The trip took us to Sumapaz Páramo—a drinking water source with breathtaking views.
On Day 4 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we visited La Roca Ecobarrio—an eco-neighbourhood with rainwater harvesting tanks, compost bins, and gardens.
Later, we rode up Monserrate and viewed Bogotá from above. We ended the day learning about the city's water sources with
Acueducto de Bogotá.
Later, we rode up Monserrate and viewed Bogotá from above. We ended the day learning about the city's water sources with
Acueducto de Bogotá.
May 9, 2025 at 3:38 PM
On Day 4 of the #NSERC_CREATE #WASHFieldSchool, we visited La Roca Ecobarrio—an eco-neighbourhood with rainwater harvesting tanks, compost bins, and gardens.
Later, we rode up Monserrate and viewed Bogotá from above. We ended the day learning about the city's water sources with
Acueducto de Bogotá.
Later, we rode up Monserrate and viewed Bogotá from above. We ended the day learning about the city's water sources with
Acueducto de Bogotá.
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.
Later, they explored #FernandoBotero's art at #MuseoBotero and indigenous heritage at #MuseoDelOro.
May 8, 2025 at 3:00 PM
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.
Later, they explored #FernandoBotero's art at #MuseoBotero and indigenous heritage at #MuseoDelOro.
Day 2 of #WASHFieldSchool started with a cruise on the Bogotá River led by the Corporación Autónoma Regional de Cundinamarca. 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!
May 7, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Day 2 of #WASHFieldSchool started with a cruise on the Bogotá River led by the Corporación Autónoma Regional de Cundinamarca. 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!
On Day 1 of the #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.
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.
May 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM
On Day 1 of the #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.
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.
…and we’re off to Colombia for the 4th edition of the #WASHFieldSchool!
Our trainees will be travelling to link up with Profs. Manuel Rodriguez & Caetano Dorea over the next few weeks.
Our trainees will be travelling to link up with Profs. Manuel Rodriguez & Caetano Dorea over the next few weeks.
May 5, 2025 at 4:02 PM
…and we’re off to Colombia for the 4th edition of the #WASHFieldSchool!
Our trainees will be travelling to link up with Profs. Manuel Rodriguez & Caetano Dorea over the next few weeks.
Our trainees will be travelling to link up with Profs. Manuel Rodriguez & Caetano Dorea over the next few weeks.
We’re on Bluesky!
#WASHCanada is an NSERC Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) program focused on Water and Sanitation for Low-resource Contexts.
Follow us to see how we collaborate on research for sustainable WASH services and equip trainees to tackle WASH challenges.
#WASHCanada is an NSERC Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) program focused on Water and Sanitation for Low-resource Contexts.
Follow us to see how we collaborate on research for sustainable WASH services and equip trainees to tackle WASH challenges.
May 5, 2025 at 2:40 PM
We’re on Bluesky!
#WASHCanada is an NSERC Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) program focused on Water and Sanitation for Low-resource Contexts.
Follow us to see how we collaborate on research for sustainable WASH services and equip trainees to tackle WASH challenges.
#WASHCanada is an NSERC Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) program focused on Water and Sanitation for Low-resource Contexts.
Follow us to see how we collaborate on research for sustainable WASH services and equip trainees to tackle WASH challenges.