Jennifer Dunn
La Guajira, Colombia
Ranchería Mapasira
High salt content in Mapasira's well is making people sick.
Chevron installed the well last year. Salt content levels in the water rise and fall with the tide.
The well is the only water source in Mapasira.
Women wash laundry at the well.
Nuri has 13 children. Her 2 year old daughter died last January after suffering chronic diarrhea.
Nuri's children are frequently ill.
Children are especially suceptable to intestinal problems caused by salt water.
Nurse Olga tells me most Wayuu women don't use birth control.
Mapasira 'Palabrero', or village leader. He is married to Nuri.
5 children of Mapasira have died over the past 3 years, 4 of them from causes associated with contaminated water.
Chevron installed this well in Mapasira, about 4 km from the coast.
Nurse Olga, from Mayapo, conducts community outreach health care in this and surrounding communities.