Matuga Community

Project Status

Project Type: Protected Spring

Regional Program: Western Kenya WaSH Program

Impact: 300 Served

Project Phase: In Service - Apr 2026

Functionality Status: Functional

Project Features

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It has been ten years since the 300 community members in the Matuga Community have had access to a safe, reliable water source to meet their needs. Their community water source, Matuga Spring, was once protected, but now it is no longer safe. The water is contaminated and the structure is crumbling.

Community members waiting at the spring needing protection.

"This waterpoint has serious challenges. There is [an] overflow of water above the headwall, pooling in the collection area, a blocked drainage channel and there is significant damage to the headwall with water oozing through it. The water is cloudy and leaves some sediment when put in a container. The stairs have completely collapsed," shared Field Officer Daniel Mwanzia.

"This waterpoint has been in a state of disrepair for a while. The water users tried to repair the headwall, but that didn't yield much," Mr. Mwanzia continued.

A community member collecting water.

Because community members have no choice but to use the spring water, those who consume it inevitably suffer from water-related illnesses that steal their health, time, and resources.

17-year-old Julius shared his experience.

Julius.

"I attend a boarding school in a different part of the country. When away from home, I'm okay, but every time schools close, I get sick after using water from this source. I dread school holidays because of this," shared Julius.

"In our school calendar, the November-December holiday is the longest. We normally stay home for at least two months. A day [before] the January reopening, I fell so ill that I couldn't do anything! I had severe abdominal pains accompanied by diarrhea and fever. Upon visiting the nearby dispensary, I was diagnosed with amoebiasis, which the doctor confirmed was caused by drinking contaminated water," Julius continued.

"My mom took me to [the] hospital where the illness was confirmed to be amoebiasis. I was given intravenous drugs and kept in [the] hospital overnight for observation. The following day, I was discharged after the doctor was satisfied I would be okay with the drugs he had prescribed for me. When I was diagnosed with amoebiasis, I became so weak and couldn't go back to school after reopening. I had to stay home for another two weeks!" Julius declared.

Julius at the unprotected spring.

"Collecting water has become a difficult, risky, and time-consuming affair. The threat of catching diseases hangs on our necks every single day, and that has instilled fear in my community!" said Julius.

Julius worries about his mother who stays in their community when he is at boarding school. Not only does he fear her becoming ill, but without her help, it would be impossible for him to attend school and fulfill his dreams.

"I wouldn't want my mother or anyone else in my community to get hurt as they go to fetch water. My mom works so hard to keep me in school, and if anything were to happen to her, I'd be devastated," he continued.

"I'd love to become a doctor so as to be a blessing to my family, neighbors, and community in general. I have grown up in hardship and would jump at any chance to change the lives of my family members and community."

Properly protecting the spring will enable Julius, his mother, and their community to consistently access safe water, preserve their health, and make progress in their daily lives with the resources they work so hard to attain.

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

April, 2026: Matuga Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"Now that I know clean water flows from these pipes, I will no longer worry about the time that I have to come here to fetch water. I can schedule my trips here better and effectively engage in both my personal and business life. With that, I can then better my focus in growing my business so that I can take better care of my children, to ensure they are in school and in good health at all times," celebrated Sween Akose, 36.

Ms. Akose collects water from the protected spring.

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

Juliah collects water.

Sixteen-year-old Julia shared, "Reliable water will help me stay healthy at all times and not have to worry about looking for a different water source to get clean drinking water from. I will not get sick; thus, I will not have to miss class ever for treatment."

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.

Excavating the spring.

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.

Setting the discharge pipe.

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.

Placing tile under the water spout to prevent erosion.

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 plant grass.

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 Matuga Community. 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 Betty Muhongo and Gladys Chepkorir deployed to the site to lead the event. 14 people attended the training, including 11 women and three 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.

Field Officer Betty Muhongo noted: "The topic that prompted the most discussion was spring maintenance. Community members were very active in sharing ideas about how to keep the spring clean and well-protected. They discussed and came up with a set of rules, such as avoiding washing clothes near the spring or drawing water with dirty containers. The most memorable part was when they came up with the penalties for those who fail to follow these rules. They were not lenient with the penalties, and some even commented that it was still not enough — everyone supported the idea, showing that they truly value the new water source and want to take care of it."

Spring maintenance session.

"The most interesting topic was spring cleanliness and maintenance. The community found it important because it directly affects our water source. We learned that keeping the area around the spring clean, avoiding washing clothes nearby, and managing waste properly will help protect the spring for many years," shared participant Margret Makungu, a 40-year-old farmer.

Margret Makungu.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

February, 2026: Exciting Progress in Matuga Community!

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