Residents had originally hoped the technology would enable them to increase their consumption from about 15 litres per person per day to 27 litres. Now each person uses about 33 litres a day on average, and there is enough water to grow vegetables for local use and sale. This has increased the health and income levels of the residents. In the past, water trucks sometimes broke down or were delayed if the road to Chungungo was impassable. The same trucks were also used to carry other liquids, which could leave residues in the tanks and contaminate the water being delivered to the village.
Residents say the water looks and tastes considerably better.
The Chungungo water system is now wholly administered by the community. The rates charged to consumers ensure that operating and maintaining the system is financially self-supporting. Responsibility for the system has been assumed by the Chilean Ministry of Public Works, ensuring institutional support and capital investment for future expansion and improvements. Chungungo now attracts vacationers an important indication of the improved quality of life in the village. In 1994, IDRC also sponsored an international workshop in La Serena, Chile, to promote the technology.