Gratitude, Progress, and the Path Ahead for Agua del Pueblo

Bruce Clemens

Aug 26

4 min read

Updated: Aug 27

Five Decades of Partnership and the Work Still Ahead

Dear Friends and Partners,

As I look back on more than five decades of Agua del Pueblo (AdP), my heart overflows with gratitude. None of this journey would have been possible without your unwavering generosity and support. Together, we have helped more than 1,000 rural communities complete over 500 potable water and sanitation projects—bringing clean water, dignity, and hope to over 500,000 residents.

To give you a glimpse of how far your kindness has carried us, take a look at where it all began:

I recently had the joy of visiting both of these milestone sites with a group of dear friends who have stood by AdP for more than 50 years. Seeing these roots reminded me of how much we can accomplish when we stand together.

At the same time, this trip was a sobering reminder of why our shared mission remains so urgent. Tragically, over 20% of Guatemala's rural population still lacks access to potable water in their homes, and over 40% do not have a functional, sustainable toilet.

Recent research underscores the deep human cost of these conditions, directly linking the lack of water and sanitation to severe growth stunting rural Guatemala. Stunting—impaired growth and development caused by chronic malnutrition and recurrent infections such as waterborne illnesses—leaves lifelong impacts on a child's physical and cognitive development. Tragically, research shows that Guatemala has the highest rate of child stunting in the Western Hemisphere and among the worst globally (see Dick Raines/For Eyes Only AdP 1976 Strategy, 1976, for full details).

Much of this information on childhood stunting was recently shared with us by one of Agua del Pueblo's original co-founders, Dick Raines. Dick also wrote Agua del Pueblo's first strategic planning document in 1976, following the devastating Guatemala earthquake. That discussion paper helped set the course for AdP's work over the following decades, emphasizing thoughtful planning, community partnership, and sustainable, locally driven solutions. Looking back today, it is remarkable how accurately Dick anticipated both the challenges that still exist and the approach that continues to guide our mission more than 50 years later.

Looking back today, it is remarkable how accurately Dick anticipated both the challenges that still exist and the community-driven approach that continues to guide our mission more than 50 years later. His words have also reminded me that behind every statistic is a deeply personal story of hardship, resilience, and the things we value most.

That has felt especially meaningful to me in recent days. Donna and I recently suffered a heartbreaking loss when we said goodbye to my sixth dog—our nearly 15-year-old, 105-pound Labradoodle and my faithful companion. Whether or not you have ever owned a dog, anyone who has lost a beloved presence in their life understands how deeply that absence can be felt. Grieving him has also led me to reflect on the families we serve, for whom uncertainty and difficult choices are a constant reality. Imagine being a mother with no choice but to send your young children on a daily trek to collect water from a stream, all while managing a household without basic sanitation. Imagine the weight of carrying that responsibility every single day.

Your past support has transformed hundreds of thousands of lives, but we still need your help today more than ever to keep this life changing momentum going.

AdP is currently nearing the completion of the design for a critical new sanitation system in San Gregorio—a community named in honor of the Roman Catholic diocesan priest who first challenged AdP to build our very first water project back in 1972! Completing and building this system will mark a monumental full-circle milestone, but we cannot cross the finish line without your financial support.

Learn about the project in San Gregorio

How You Can Help Continue the Legacy

If you are able to make a contribution today, please know that every dollar directly improves health, dignity, and opportunity for rural communities.

Donate Online:

Visit our secure giving page at www.peoplesconsultants.org

Donate by Check:

To avoid banking and processing fees so that 100% of your gift goes directly to the field, you can mail a check.

Payable to:

The People's Consultants (aka Agua del Pueblo USA)

Mailing address:

5202 Pommeroy Drive

Fairfax, VA 22032

Nothing brings our work to life quite like seeing it firsthand. I would be honored to take you to Guatemala to visit our project sites, walk through these communities, and meet the wonderful people whose lives you have transformed. If you'd like to learn more or discuss joining us on a trip, please reach out to me directly via email or phone.