The 294 community members of Kipchele have made an effort to solve their own water crisis by partially protecting a community spring. However, without expertise, significant issues with the structure threaten the quality of the water. Many people have reported stomach problems and diarrhea, especially during the rainy season when the area floods.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-water-project/image/upload/c_fill,dpr_auto,q_auto,f_auto,w_auto/WP-Uploads/community/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kenya410116-Kenya410116-Water-point-4-9736.jpg)
The spring needs proper protection.
Sixty-five-year-old farmer David Musimi is familiar with the challenges that come from consuming the contaminated water.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-water-project/image/upload/c_fill,dpr_auto,q_auto,f_auto,w_auto/WP-Uploads/community/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kenya410116-Kenya410116-David-Musumi-2-9731.jpg)
David.
"Sometime early this year, I felt unwell and could not do my normal duties as usual. My whole body was [in] pain, and [I] needed medication. During my visit to the hospital, I was told to pay for typhoid treatment to deal with my condition, which was not easy because of [the] financial implications. The treatment cost me 2,000 KSH ($15), which could be used for family basic needs and other bills [instead]," said David.
The money David spends treating waterborne illnesses is stealing resources that are critical for his family's success. As a farmer, if he can't work, he is unable to provide for his family. If he doesn't tend his crop, it will die. His time is precious to both his and his family's survival.
"When [I] am sick, I really miss so many things. First of all, being a breadwinner for my family, I get no income, which means there is no food for the family because I must work to eat. If fetching water is not the task at hand, I dedicate my time to working on my farm, increasing farm produce, and earning a living."
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-water-project/image/upload/c_fill,dpr_auto,q_auto,f_auto,w_auto/WP-Uploads/community/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kenya410116-Kenya410116-Harvesting-vegetables-9746.jpg)
David tending his crops.
The unprotected water source not only causes David to struggle to provide for his family, but it also threatens his morale.
"I feel so embarrassed and humiliated when I see my family members suffering just for drinking water that harms life. When you lack water, everything will collapse. No food, and you die. Water, to me, is all I need to live," shared David.
David and his community need support so they no longer have to struggle with water-related illnesses that steal their health and resources. Protecting their spring will give them the tools they need to thrive. With clean water access, David won't have to watch his family and his farm suffer anymore.
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.