Project Status



Project Type:  Protected Spring

Regional Program: Western Kenya WaSH Program

Impact: 200 Served

Project Phase:  In Service - Sep 2025

Functionality Status:  Functional

Project Features


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In the Mukhulutsi Community, the 200 residents have only one water source: the distant and dangerous Shamboko Spring, which steals their time and needs to be repaired.

Field Officer Christine Masinde described the community's water crisis. "This spring is the only reliable source of water in this community. As a result, water users have to face the burden of struggling to get their share of this precious commodity. They end up not getting enough water according to their needs. This has led [to] compromised hygiene and sanitation practices."

Eight-year-old Elvis has felt the pain of collecting water at their spring, quite literally.

Elvis.

"The path that leads to the spring is very steep, posing safety concerns to everyone, especially children. A while back, I slipped and fell while carrying water. I was not hurt badly, but it could have been worse. Since then, my mother does not allow me to go to the spring alone. Queuing at the waterpoint wastes a lot of my time. In worst cases, instead of people lining up, they chose to struggle to fetch water without proper order. This leads to wastage of more time and sometimes injuries as people push each other," said Elvis.

Elvis collecting water.

The long lines waiting to collect water cause tensions to run high, and the anxiety about tasks being left unfinished causes friction within the community. Elvis is used to being pushed to the back of the line because he is a child.

Community members waiting for their chance to collect water.

"Though it feels bad, I know adults have many responsibilities to take of; therefore, I allow them to fetch water first, then I do [it] when my time comes. This affects my school work, but I have no alternative to this problem," shared Elvis.

Elvis.

"I try my best to arrive at school early after fetching water in the morning, but I do not concentrate well in class due to exhaustion. My grades are not appealing, but I will not give up on my dream of becoming a doctor. I believe things will be better."

"I would like to be a doctor when I grow up. I believe with the right environment, and hard work, I will definitely achieve my dreams."

With the right tools, like easy access to safe water, the sky is the limit for Elvis so he can prioritize his education and pursue his dreams.

Elvis and other community members walking home.

"Protecting this spring will reduce the time and effort required to access this water point, particularly for women, children, and the elderly. The quality of water will improve, which in turn will impact the health of its users positively," Christine added.

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


September, 2025: Mukhulutsi Community Spring Protection Complete!

Your contribution has made access to clean water for the Mukhulutsi 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!

Jackline collecting water.

"This newly protected spring will make a significant difference in my daily life by providing safe and clean water, curbing the risk of waterborne illnesses for myself and my family. I will not have to worry as much about contamination from harmful bacteria that have been in the water before it was protected well," shared Jackline Misanga, a 52-year-old farmer.

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

Elvis.

"I will have more time to play and do my homework on time. Clean water will keep me from getting sick, so I will not miss school because of stomach problems. This means I will concentrate well in school and improve my grades, which will eventually fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor in [the] future," exclaimed 9-year-old Elvis.

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.

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 pipe. The discharge pipe needs 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 pipe without making contact, to prevent cross-contamination.

If we place the pipe 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 got the okay from their local field officers to fetch water.

We officially gave ownership of the waterpoint to the Mukhulutsi  Community.

Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we found their preferred date for training. When the day arrived, facilitators Victor Musemi and Samuel Simidi deployed to the site to lead the event. 19 people attended the training, including 12 women and seven 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.

Handwashing session.

We held an election for the newly formed water user committee who 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 session.

"Although it seemed like a gloomy morning because of drizzling [rain]. The training participants were actively engaged, asking thoughtful questions and sharing personal experiences. They took notes, participated in demonstrations, and interacted freely with the facilitators. They promised to share what they had learned with their families and other community members who did not attend the training so that they can spread awareness," shared Field Officer Christine Masinde.

Jackline.

"I now understand the importance of working together as a community to ensure cleanliness, like building and using proper latrines, keeping our surroundings clean, and educating others about proper hygiene. I feel more responsible for encouraging others to adopt better hygiene standards, as this will benefit everyone by reducing illnesses and creating a healthier environment," said Jackline, who was quoted earlier.

Thank you for making all of this possible!




July, 2025: Exciting Progress in Mukhulutsi Community!

We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, significant change is coming for Elvis and the entire Mukhulutsi 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 Mukhulutsi Community!




Project Photos


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!


Contributors

Emanuel's Campaign for Water
6 individual donor(s)