Project Status



Project Type:  Protected Spring

Regional Program: Western Kenya WaSH Program

Impact: 210 Served

Project Phase:  Under Construction
Estimated Install Date (?):  2025

Project Features


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Community Profile

Report Submitted by
Rose Serete, Field Officer

The 210 people who live in the Chiterezi Community rely on the partially protected Mmbasu Spring to meet their daily water needs. However, due to its poor condition, community members like Resna, a fifty-eight-year-old farmer, often end up sick after consuming it.

"After taking it (the water), after some time, I started experiencing severe stomachache, diarrhea, and [a] mild headache. Earlier on, [I] visited a nearby dispensary where I was diagnosed with typhoid; I was given a prescription that really cost after purchasing the drugs [at] a nearby chemist," shared Resna.

Resna makes up to six trips daily to gather enough to meet her family's needs. Sadly, all that effort is for water that often leaves her or her family members suffering from water-related illnesses, stealing their health, energy, and resources.

Illnesses from drinking dirty water not only steal Resna's health but also steal her finances and time, making it nearly impossible for her to make progress in her daily life.

"Some of the consequences are [a] lack of sufficient income because those drugs are so expensive. Also, walking from home to the chemist or dispensary is a bit far and tiresome," said Resna.

The spring needs protection so the water is properly filtered to make it safer to consume.

When we asked Resna what she would do with her time if she did not have to spend so much of it collecting water, she said she would spend more time at her vegetable stall in the local market. Providing a safe, reliable water source would allow Resna to focus on the most important things in her life and build a brighter future.

Resna takes care of her livestock.

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


July, 2025: Chiterezi Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

We transformed their spring into a flowing source of naturally filtered water. A chlorine dispenser was 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!

"The new waterpoint will guarantee us good health. The waterpoint is well constructed, and we are no longer exposed to waterborne and other water-related infections. Time wastage during and after water collection will be minimized, and more time will be diverted to their (her children's) schoolwork. This will enable them to achieve their desired dreams and hence be prosperous later on in life," shared local farmer Resna Mmbasu.

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

"[I] am able to access water with ease, go to school early for preps, and do my homework in time, which will help me earn a good grade [and] bring joy to both my parents and teachers," shared Merlyne, age 11, reflecting on the impact of improved water access.

Merlyne (right) celebrates clean water!

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.

Community members gathering supplies.

When the community was ready, we delivered the remaining construction materials, including cement, plastic tarps, and hardware. Then, our construction artisans 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.

Setting the 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.

Setting the discharge pipe.

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.

Constructing the stairs.

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.

Installing large stones to prevent erosion.

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.

Plastering the spring walls.

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.

Backfilling the spring with large stones.

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 planting grass to prevent erosion.

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.

Installing tiles beneath the discharge pipe.

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 Chiterezi 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 Rose Serete and Samuel Simidi deployed to the site to lead the event. Sixteen people attended the training.

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.

Soapmaking training.

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.

Facilitator Rose Serete said, "The participants were very active because they posted a lot of questions inquiring more about water safety, and they took their time listening to the feedback."

Ms. Khamala.

Rhoda Khamala, the local health promoter, shared, "It has refreshed my mind with new ideas and knowledge that I used to ignore, like ten steps of handwashing, water treatment, and storage."

Thank you for making all of this possible!




May, 2025: Exciting Progress in Chiterezi Community!

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




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

Berkshire Blanket & Home Co.
3 individual donor(s)