SMU’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders is partnering with three local restaurants Tuesday to raise funds for a water distribution project in Central America.

Tuesday is World Water Day 2011. This year the event is focused specifically on the growing problem of water availability in urban slums.

Vapiano, Pokey-O’s and the Mockingbird Station location of Rockfish have all agreed to donate a percentage of their receipts from SMU diners to help fund the engineering group’s $35,000 plan to install piping and a water storage tank in Panimacac, Guatemala.

Vapiano and Pokey-O’s will donate a portion of receipts on World Water Day only, while Rockfish will donate a portion of receipts Tuesday through Friday.

As a symbol of support, SMU will turn off its campus fountains from noon to 1 p.m. on World Water Day. 

Representatives from SMU’s Engineers Without Borders chapter will be located at the main fountain to share information about world water needs and their own projects.

SMU’s Sustainability Committee and Office of Facilities Management will also be distributing free low-flow showerheads there.