Guatemala

Guatemala’s wealth of natural resources includes abundant water from streams and lakes that provide water supply coverage to 94 percent of the country. However, surface water is unevenly distributed, seasonal, and often polluted, and only 61 percent the water supply comes from a safely managed source. Improving the management of water resources in Guatemala is made even more difficult because of the lack of a national-level water management policy or law.

USAID collaborates closely with the Government of Guatemala across development sectors to increase access to safe drinking water, strengthen the capacity of municipal water service providers, and improve hygiene practices and access to sanitation. USAID also works to help Guatemala reduce its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change through new agricultural practices and watershed protection.

USAID focuses its efforts in Guatemala on improving water sector governance. Activities include strengthening the capacity of municipal water service providers to develop strategic business and investment plans, creating outreach campaign strategies, and collaborating with other municipalities to map water boundaries and define the provision of water services and water resources management.