Echemo Community

December, 2025: Echemo Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"Access to safe water will help my children to be free from water-related diseases like typhoid and diarrhea for [a] prosperous future, and [the] achievement of their dreams through academic progress without disease hindrance," shared 49-year-old farmer and mother Phillister Mmaitsi.

Phillister (left) at the newly protected spring.

"This new water point will help me to concentrate more on my small business, and be able to increase my stock and earn more profit, which will bring income to me. This is possible because there is assurance of reliable water from the spring," Phillister concluded.

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

Azereas.

"Reliable water will greatly help me to peacefully spend more time in school, and complete my assignments before heading home. I do not worry and am not in a hurry going home from school because I know where to get safe water within a very short time," celebrated 7-year-old Azereas.

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 Echemo 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 Gladys Chepkorir and Wilson Kipchoge deployed to the site to lead the event. 16 people attended the training, including 3 women and 13 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.

"From the onset of the training, participants were very excited and eager to receive information, and be able to get empowered, through the knowledge acquired, and use the same to improve their perception, and view on proper hygiene and health in general," shared Field Officer Wilson Kipchoge.

Sheila Shaka.

"This training has challenged our thoughts on why proper hygiene practices for better living is crucial to eliminate elements that promote disease outbreak and cause many people to suffer needlessly, yet with the right hygiene practices, barriers are created to obstruct any avenue of disease to be reported at any given time in our community," said 30-year-old farmer Sheila Shaka.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

October, 2025: Exciting Progress in Echemo Community!

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