# “World Water Day Impact: How a New Well Transformed Healthcare at Serem Health Center in Kenya” > **About The Water Project:** The Water Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2006, providing clean, safe water to communities in sub-Saharan Africa. We work in Kenya, Uganda, and Sierra Leone through local partner organizations, funding wells, sand dams, rainwater catchment systems, and spring protections. Every project is monitored for long-term reliability through our Water Promise commitment. Learn more at [thewaterproject.org](https://thewaterproject.org) or [donate](https://thewaterproject.org/give-water). --- **Published:** April 2, 2026 **Author:** Vanessa Sherwood **Category:** Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene --- Waiting hours for water during a dry spell can delay even the most basic care at Serem Health Center. At worst, it can put mothers who have just given birth at risk. **“The longest time I had to wait for water was about 4 hours,”** Vita Presley, Health Records and Information Officer, recalled. “It was during a dry spell, and we had exhausted all water in the tanks.” **But this year on World Water Day, that reality was replaced with something worth celebrating.** A brand new, reliable water well. ![](https://thewaterproject.org/community/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/image-8-1024x683.jpeg)**Center staff using the new well** **The Serem Health Center – Before** Previously, the center relied on a simple gutter system to collect rainwater. When the dry season came, that supply quickly ran out. Staff were then forced to depend on costly water deliveries often from unknown and potentially unsafe sources.“The water purchase will last the center for a day, thus being costly to the facility,” shared Field Officer Jonathon Mutai. “Since water vendors may supply water from any water source, it then **compromises the quality of water and increases the risk of waterborne ailments**.” ![](https://thewaterproject.org/community/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/image-6-1024x683.jpeg)**The old rainwater collecting system** Without safe water, the risks were serious. Contaminated water can carry harmful bacteria and microorganisms that cause diseases like diarrhea, as well as toxic substances that lead to long-term health issues. But beyond the medical risks, the human impact was just as striking. *“What impacted me was the time that mothers who had just delivered had to wait for bathing water… because the water points were unreliable.” *–**Jonathon Mutai** In the wider community, women and girls carried the heaviest burden. Often responsible for collecting water, they could spend hours each day walking back and forth, sometimes 5 to 10 trips daily, leaving little time for education, rest, or caring for their families. ![](https://thewaterproject.org/community/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/image-7-1024x687.jpeg)**Yvonne, a girl from the community** Yvonne, a young girl from the community, knew this routine all too well. Each day, she made multiple trips to collect water for her family, spending hours on a task that left little time for school or play. Now, with water available at the health center, her days look very different. **“I’m so happy because now I have more time to study and play with my friends**,” she said with a smile. **The Serem Health Center – After** Today, that previous uncertainty is gone. With the new well in place, Serem Health Center now has a steady supply of clean, safe water. Handwashing stations and latrines have also been installed, helping protect both patients and staff. **Where water was once unreliable and unsafe, it is now available every day, for every need**. ![](https://thewaterproject.org/community/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/image-5-1024x683.jpeg)**Consultation with a patient** To ensure long-term sustainability, a Water User Committee has been established. Made up of a community health volunteer, clinic leadership, a community representative, and a board member, the group is responsible for maintaining the water point, promoting hygiene and sanitation, and keeping supplies stocked. ![](https://thewaterproject.org/community/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/image-9-1024x683.jpeg)**Staff at the new latrines** **A World Water Day Party!** On World Water Day, the community came together to celebrate this transformation. With The Water Project, partner Evidence Action, and local government representatives present, the event was filled with color, music, and joy. Drums echoed as mothers and girls performed the vibrant Isukuti dance, a fast-paced, energetic expression of celebration. **Laughter, singing, and movement filled the space, marking not just a new water source, but a new chapter for the community.** ![](https://thewaterproject.org/community/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/image-10-1024x400.jpeg)**Children dancing** **A Sustainable Future** Access to safe water at Serem Health Center is more than an infrastructure improvement – it is the foundation for better health, dignity, and opportunity. Patients now receive safer, more effective care. Healthcare workers can do their jobs without interruption. And women and girls are no longer burdened with the exhausting task of searching for water each day. **What has changed here isn’t just access to water – it’s what daily life looks like.** It’s the difference between waiting and receiving care. Between risk and safety. Between uncertainty and hope. And it’s a powerful reminder that one essential resource can transform an entire community. Read more about this project [here](https://thewaterproject.org/community/projects/kenya/new-borehole-wash-project-410175/) --- > **About The Water Project:** The Water Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2006, providing clean, safe water to communities in sub-Saharan Africa. We work in Kenya, Uganda, and Sierra Leone through local partner organizations, funding wells, sand dams, rainwater catchment systems, and spring protections. Every project is monitored for long-term reliability through our Water Promise commitment. Learn more at [thewaterproject.org](https://thewaterproject.org) or [donate](https://thewaterproject.org/give-water). --- **Canonical URL:** https://thewaterproject.org/community/2026/04/02/world-water-day-impact-how-a-new-well-transformed-healthcare-at-serem-health-center-in-kenya/ --- *Source: The Water Project Blog - “World Water Day Impact: How a New Well Transformed Healthcare at Serem Health Center in Kenya”*