Ebwayi Community

Project Status

Project Type: Protected Spring

Regional Program: Western Kenya WaSH Program

Impact: 210 Served

Project Phase: In Service - May 2026

Functionality Status: Functional

Project Features

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The 210 community members of Ebwayi have tried their best to solve the persistent water crisis they face, but none of their efforts have been successful. Community members who use Olacho Spring as their primary water source continue to suffer from cases of typhoid, diarrhea, dysentery, and amoebas. The water-related infections not only cause them to needlessly suffer but also steal their time and resources, making it difficult to make any forward progress.

People waiting to collect water from the spring.

"Water is important to me because I drink, cook, and [it] enables me to carry out hygiene and sanitation," said 55-year-old Fatuma Mohamed, a farmer.

"I am the breadwinner of my family, and when I fall sick, my entire family suffers hunger and lack. Sometimes, I buy medicine, and when the situation persists, I go to [the] hospital for treatment. Increased infections have led to more expenditure on treatment, thus low income and low economic growth," continued Fatuma.

Fatuma.

But Fatuma is not the only one suffering. She cares for her grandchildren, who are especially vulnerable to water-related illnesses.

“Children require more water (by weight) than adults, so their exposure to water-borne pathogens is much higher. Diarrhoeal diseases cause dehydration in children much faster than in adults. Children are more likely to develop severe infections and experience complications during recovery due to their small body size and their developing immune systems, which provide little natural immunity or resistance.” - UNICEF

A child collecting water.

"Dirty water is dangerous since it can cost lives and people's happiness. My three grandchildren got sick recently, and I could not even afford to take them to [the] hospital, but later on, my neighbor came and helped me out of this situation. This has really drained me financially, in that I cannot be able to spare a single cent for myself," she continued.

Without access to clean water, Fatuma and her grandchildren's futures are at risk. Their lives are affected in every way, and making progress to escape persistent poverty will be difficult.

Steps Toward a Solution

Our technical experts worked with the local community to identify the most effective solution to their water crisis. They decided to safeguard the existing flowing spring.

Spring Protection
Springs are natural water sources that originate from deep underground. As water travels through various layers of the earth, it undergoes a natural filtration process, making it cleaner and safer to drink. To protect these spring sources from contamination, we construct a waterproof cement structure around layers of clay, stone, and soil. This design channels the spring water through a discharge pipe, facilitating easier, faster, and cleaner water collection.

Chlorine Dispenser
As an extra measure towards water quality safety, uniquely engineered chlorine dispensers are installed at all of our spring protection projects so community members can treat their water with pre-measured doses of chlorine. The chlorine treats any residual contamination and stays active for two to three days, ensuring water stays safe to use even when stored at home. Chlorine delivery and maintenance of the dispensers are part of our ongoing community support.

Community Education & Ownership
Hygiene and sanitation training are integral to our water projects. Training is tailored to each community's specific needs and includes key topics such as proper water handling, improved hygiene practices, disease transmission prevention, and care of the new water point. Safe water and improved hygiene habits foster a healthier future for everyone in the community. Encouraged and supported by the guidance of our team, a water user committee representative of the community's diverse members assumes responsibility for maintaining the water point, often gathering fees to ensure its upkeep.

Project Updates

May, 2026: Ebwayi Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Ebwayi Community possible!

We transformed their spring into a flowing source of naturally filtered water. A chlorine dispenser is installed to provide added protection, and we trained the community on improved sanitation and hygiene practices. Together, these components will unlock the opportunity for community members to thrive!

"I used to spend a lot of my income on treating water-related diseases, which attacked my grandchildren, but now they can stay in class because their fees will be paid on time," said Fatuma Mohammad, 56.

Fatuma Mohammad.

Children were just as excited as adults about clean water access!

"I will study and improve. The time I used to queue for water will not be used [and I can] study more," said Jamilla, aged 9.

Jamilla.

Preparing for Spring Protection

Community members worked together to source all locally available construction materials for the spring. These included bricks, sand, stones, and fencing poles. Because people have to carry most items by hand, the material-collection process can take anywhere from a few weeks to months.

When the community was ready, we delivered the remaining construction materials, including cement, plastic tarps, and hardware. Then our construction artisan and field officers deployed to the spring to begin work.

Protecting the Spring: A Step-by-Step Process

First, we excavated the spring area. This includes digging a drainage channel below the spring and several runoff diversion channels above and around the spring to help divert surface contaminants away.

To ensure community members could still access water throughout the construction process, we also dug temporary channels around the construction site to allow water to continue to flow. Excavation created space for setting the spring's foundation.

Excavation.

After establishing the base, made of thick plastic, wire, concrete, and waterproof cement, we started brickwork to build the spring walls and stairs. Once the walls were tall enough, we began one of the most crucial steps: setting the discharge pipes. The discharge pipes need to be positioned low enough so the water level never rises above the spring's eye, yet high enough to allow room for the average collection container (20-liters) to sit beneath the pipes without making contact, to prevent cross-contamination.

If we place the pipes too high, back pressure could force water to emerge elsewhere. Too low, and community members would not be able to access the water easily.

In coordination with the walls and stairs, we cemented stones on both sides of the spring's drainage channel. These stones discourage people and animals from standing in that area, which could cause soil erosion and a clogged drainage area.

We then cemented and plastered the spring walls. These finishing layers reinforce the brickwork and prevent water in the reservoir from seeping through. In turn, enough pressure builds to push water out through the discharge pipe.

As the walls cured, we finished the stairs and installed tiles beneath the discharge pipe. The tiles protect the concrete from the falling water's erosive force.

We redirected the temporary diversion channels back into the reservoir box and closed all other exits to force water through only the discharge pipe. We filled the reservoir area with the large, clean stones arranging them in layers like a well-fitting puzzle. We covered the rocks with thick plastic and piled enough dirt on top to compensate for future settling.

Community members transplanted grass to help prevent erosion, and the collection area was fenced. The fence prevents people or animals from walking in the area above the spring, as compaction of this area can potentially compromise water quality.

The construction process took about two weeks of work and patience. As soon as the spring was ready, people received permission from their local field officers to fetch water.

We officially transferred ownership of the waterpoint to the Ebwayi Community.

The official "handing over"!

Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we determined their preferred training date. When the day arrived, facilitators Mercy Wamalwa, Joy Ongeri, David Mulinge, and Mercy Odongo deployed to the site to lead the event. 29 people attended the training, including 23 women and 6 men.

We discussed personal, oral, and environmental hygiene, emphasizing proper water handling, soap-making, and the ten steps of handwashing. We also highlighted the importance of primary health care and covered the operation and maintenance of the water point, as well as leadership and governance. By the end of the training, each participant had a clear understanding of their role in maintaining clean water and promoting good health within their community.

We held an election for the newly formed water user committee, which will oversee the maintenance of the spring. We brainstormed income-generating activities and encouraged them to start a group savings account for future minor repairs to the spring.

Soapmaking training.

"I loved soap making so much because I didn't know how it was done before, and I have always wondered how it's made, "said Elizabeth Nyongesa, treasurer of the water user committee.

Ms. Nyongesa.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

February, 2026: Exciting Progess in the Ebwayi Community!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Fatuma Mohamed and the entire Ebwayi Community. Construction has begun on the spring protection project, bringing them one step closer to having clean, reliable water.

But that's not all—during construction, we’re also providing vital health training. These sessions equip the community with essential hygiene practices, ensuring that the benefits of clean water extend to lasting health improvements.

We’re so grateful for your role in making this possible. Stay tuned for more updates—soon, we’ll be celebrating the arrival of safe water in the Ebwayi Community!

Project Type

Springs are water sources that come from deep underground, where the water is filtered through natural layers until it is clean enough to drink. Once the water pushes through the surface of the Earth, however, outside elements like waste and runoff can contaminate the water quickly. We protect spring sources from contamination with a simple waterproof cement structure surrounding layers of clay, stone, and soil. This construction channels the spring’s water through a discharge pipe, making water collection easier, faster, and cleaner. Each spring protection also includes a chlorine dispenser at the waterpoint so community members can be assured that the water they are drinking is entirely safe. Learn more here!

Ebwayi Community

Project Status

Community Profile