Protected Spring
Rehabilitation Project
The 150 people who live in the Ucheka community rely on Zablon Spring for their water, but the spring is in poor condition and failing them.
The spring is overcrowded and badly in need of repair. Water oozes through the headwall, the area is overgrown with long grass, and stagnant water pools around the collection point. The water itself is cloudy and smells. Community members have tried making repairs on their own, but without the right skills or materials, those efforts haven't lasted.
The health toll on this community is real. People who drink from this spring regularly report diarrhea, stomach cramps, sore throats, and skin rashes.
Forty-one-year-old mother and farmer Seraphine Wambani is sadly familiar with the high costs of consuming dirty water, and even more difficult for her is seeing her children suffer.
Ms. Wambani collects water from the spring.
"Last month, my child had severe diarrhea and stomach pain after drinking water directly from the spring. It was very difficult. The child became weak, could not eat, and cried a lot at night. I spent 3 days caring for them instead of working on the farm, and we used money meant for food to buy medicine," she recalled.
"For water-related illnesses, I sometimes use over-the-counter drugs when I do not have money to go to the hospital. However, these drugs are often expensive, and the cost takes a significant amount of my income. When the illness is severe, I must go to the hospital, which costs even more for consultation, medicine, and transport," she continued.
"Harmful drinking water is a major risk. It leads to illness, lowers productivity, and keeps children out of school, affecting both health and income," Seraphine exclaimed. "I cannot work on my farm [and care for my] poultry. I also cannot cook, wash, or care for my family, which increases their burden."
Ms. Wambani carries water home from the spring.
A properly protected spring would give the Ucheka community something they currently don't have: a safe, reliable place to get water.
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 possible 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 our team's guidance, the community elects a water user committee representative of its diverse members. This committee assumes responsibility for maintaining the water point, organizing community efforts, and gathering fees to ensure its upkeep.
