Webika Community

July, 2026: Webika Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

Ms. Janet Ainea.

Forty-nine-year-old Janet Ainea, a mother and farmer, celebrated, "Access to clean and safe water will improve my health, reducing medical expenses and allowing me to invest in farming and other income-generating activities. This will help me meet my daily needs and pay school fees for my children."

"My children will no longer suffer from water-related diseases because we now have access to clean water, which promotes good health. This will have a positive impact on them, as they will get an opportunity to attend school regularly, thereby improving their academic performance and working towards achieving their future hopes and dreams," she continued.

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

Joseph collects water.

"Reliable, safe water will guarantee good health since I will no longer suffer from water-related diseases. Because I will not be prone to waterborne diseases or spend long hours queuing for water, I will attend school more consistently," said 13-year-old Joseph.

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 received permission from their local field officers to fetch water.

We officially transferred ownership of the waterpoint to the Webika Community. Happiness and thanksgiving flowed in all directions!

Field Officer Jonathan Mutai shared about the dedication: "Joy filled the place as the women sang praise songs, thanking God for the gift of clean water in their area. Children were not left behind, as they came out to celebrate their new water source. Joseph, a young boy from this community, expressed his happiness, saying that now [that] they have access to safe water, he will be able to drink it anytime without fear. He added that there will no longer [be] worries about falling sick from drinking unsafe water."

Training on Health, Hygiene, and More

Together with the community, we determined their preferred training date. When the day arrived, facilitators Jonathan Mutai, Betty Majani, and Wesley Marisha deployed to the site to lead the event. 34 people attended the training, including thirty women and 4 men.

Handwashing 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.

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.

Soap-making session.

"Participants were very active throughout the training session. They were able to ask questions and respond whenever asked. Each participant was very attentive, and at the end of training, they promised to become ambassadors and share knowledge with other community members," shared Field Officer Mutai.

Fifty-three-year-old Jacob Mutoro, the newly appointed chairperson of the water committee, shared his experience with the training.

Mr. Jacob Mutoro.

"Handwashing was the most interesting topic discussed in today's training. For many years, I did not know the proper way of washing hands, as I used to wash my hands with water only in a basin without using soap. Learning the importance of washing hands with running water and soap will positively impact my health and help prevent diseases," Mr. Mutoro said.

Thank you for making all of this possible!

June, 2026: Exciting Progress in the Webika Community!

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