The 350 people living in this portion of the Emusioma Community struggle to access sufficient and safe water to meet their daily needs. Their current water source is an unprotected spring. It is overcrowded, contaminated, and collecting water is challenging.

Community child collecting water from the spring.
Mariam Indoshi, a 28-year-old farmer in the community, is intimately familiar with the daily struggles of trying to collect sufficient water from Wetai Spring.
"Honestly, as a lady, I have a lot to do after waking up. Among my many duties are cleaning my house and clothing, farming, and cooking for my family. It is true, 'Water is Life.' Without water, you cannot do cleanliness, cooking, and drinking. Without water, you can't survive. Water is an essential commodity in the life of a human being," said Mariam.
Long lines often form at the spring. Fetching water can take almost an hour. Mariam has no choice but to wait, causing delays and frustration every day.

Mariam walks to collect water from the spring.
After spending so much time collecting water, the saddest part is that she knows consuming the water she worked so hard to acquire may make her suffer water-related illnesses that affect her health and hinder her even further. But without any safer alternative, she must take the risk.
"Treatment of typhoid is very expensive. The treatment cost and the medication [cost] involved are high, and yet the income is very low," Mariam shared.
Mariam worries about her children, too, who consume the same dirty water.

Mariam collects water from the unprotected spring.
"It is not good because you spend a lot of money on medication, and when children are sick, they cannot attend classes," she continued.
Without access to safe water, Mariam and her children have little hope of a brighter future.
However, safe water can completely change their trajectory! Protecting the spring, coupled with hygiene training that encourages the use of chlorine from a dispenser we provide, will make a significant difference.
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.