But in 1997, World Vision began a number of initiatives in rural El Salvador (with Canadian funding) following the end of a protracted period of violence, the Potable Water Production Project in Joateca among them. An initial water source was identified, and water pipes were built between the watershed and the town's new storage tank. However, this proved to be an insufficient source of water for the entire town, so a second water source was secured.

Now between the two water sources, the valuable liquid not only flows to each house in Joateca, but the arid countryside has been turned into fertile land. Community members have dug more than 60 kilometres of sloped ditches - all protected by plant barriers to prevent erosion and increase the water flow, along with 500 water filtration pits along the way.

Now, like everyone else in Joateca, Rufino spends one Saturday a month maintaining the community's communal water system in exchange for a good night's sleep.