“Blessed Water” — Foundry Photo Project

Water scarcity has been an issue in rural areas around the world. People in need of this basic resource have to find ways to locate it, and to reduce the effort involved so they can continue with their normal routine. “Blessed Water” tells the story of Santa Maria de Jesús, a municipality near the city of La Antigua Guatemala in Guatemala that suddenly ran out of water for eight days due to tank and motor maintenance. They had to go back to a communal water source, carry water for their houses and do laundry in public places.

“Blessed Water” also tells a story of hope and joy in a town that came alive and cooperated around the need for a precious resource. At the same time it reminds us of the importance that water has in daily life, something that we all take for granted.

This photography essay was part of Foundry Photojournalism Workshop celebrated in La Antigua Guatemala from 20th to 26th of July, 2014.

Text and images by Joanna Pantigoso, Peru