“It’s like a floor that’s been swept, but it doesn’t shine yet. We’re still working on that.” For Gladys, safe water is not something you achieve once and walk away from. But even without the shine, the water system she helps lead today is a far cry from the one she inherited as water board president.

Gladys is no stranger to rebuilding. Years ago, flooding and mudslides swept away her home. She managed to pull her young grandson to safety, but the pair lost everything except the night clothes they were wearing.

When Gladys stepped into water board leadership in her new community, she once again took on the work of rebuilding. There were no savings to speak of, little trust in the system, and no confidence in the water quality.

“I’m grateful for your presence and for the support you give us. Together, we’re one team, and we work better that way.”

– Gladys, on working alongside Cova

Together, with support from Cova, the system has been strengthened through chlorination, regular maintenance, and daily water testing. With water quality comes confidence. Confidence in every glass, every meal, and every child growing up drinking it in.

Today, Gladys picks up her testing kit and says:

“So we’re 100%—I’d go so far as to say 100% certain that the water is safe to drink.”

That kind of confidence doesn’t happen without your support. Gladys still talks about making the system shine. But today, families can trust the water flowing from their taps. And that’s enough to make the whole system gleam.