This paper describes the implementation of a rainwater harvesting and treatment system in an informal urban community in Bogotá, using a participatory methodology based on Service Learning (SL). The project began with a territorial diagnosis and community prioritization of needs, identifying access to water and its quality as the main issue. Together with the community, a system for rainwater capture, pretreatment, storage, and filtration was designed and built, adapted to local conditions. Monitoring of physicochemical and microbiological parameters across different climatic periods showed significant improvements in the quality of treated water, meeting national standards for most indicators. Simultaneously, an educational process was carried out through workshops and hands-on activities, strengthening local capacities and promoting hygiene and water management practices. The analysis highlights the system’s adaptability to climate variability, community ownership, and the replicability of the model. It concludes that the integration of appropriate technology, community participation, and education can effectively improve access to and quality of water in vulnerable urban contexts, contributing to quality of life and sustainable development.

Access to drinking water is one of the key factors in determining the quality of life within a terri-tory. Throughout history, civilizations have developed around water, due to its essential role in sustaining health, productivity and well-being. In contexts of scarcity, people often rely on surface sources, rainwater, wells must purchase water at high prices. Without a formal supply system, such as an aqueduct, the use of alternative sources increases the risk of waterborne disease out-breaks, which severely impacts community health. Therefore, this project, applying a “One Health” approach and the service-learning methodology, aims to transfer knowledge on a rain-water harvesting and treatment system to the community involver in the educational processes led by Altos del cabo by Fondacio in the San Isidro Patios neighborhood, Bogota, Colombia. This project encompassed territorial assessment, technological design and implementation, and edu-cation on healthy housing, focusing on access to water as a fundamental element for hygiene and public health. Collaboration among academic institutions, , non-governmental organizations and the local community resulted in a sustainable solution to the drinking water shortage in this vul-nerable urban area.