Mumasaka Community 2

October, 2026: Mumasaka Community Spring Protection Complete!

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

"As a mother, access to clean water means more than just water. It means hope. Before, my children would leave for school tired after helping me fetch water. Sometimes they missed school because they were sick from unsafe water. As a mother, the pain of seeing your child struggle is heavy; you feel helpless. Now with clean water, I feel relief in my heart. My children can wake up, wash, drink safe water, and go to school strong and confident. They have time to read, to dream, to laugh like other children should. When they tell me they want to become a lawyer, doctor, teacher, or a pilot, I no longer see those dreams as impossible," shared 30-year-old Lavender Anzeste.

Lavender.

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

Nine-year-old Denzel knows exactly what this protected water source means to him.

Denzel.

"This water will improve things for me. Before, getting water was sometimes difficult and took a lot of time. Now that water is easy to get, I can spend more time in class and studying. I also feel happy because I can drink clean water and stay healthy. It will also help me wash my hands and keep clean."

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.

Community members gather materials to help with the spring protection.

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.

Setting the 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.

Constructing the headwall.

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.

Cementing the walls, and stairs.

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.

Community members planting grass.

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 Mumasaka 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 Mercy Wamalwa, Elvine Atsieno, Adelaide Nasimiyu and David Muthama deployed to the site to lead the event. 26 people attended the training, including 24 women and two 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.

Soapmaking training.

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.

Menstrual Hygiene was one topic that was impactful. "This topic generated significant interest among participants. Discussions focused on proper practices for managing menstrual safety and hygienically, including the use of clean sanitary materials, regular changing of pads, washing hands before and after handling, and safe disposal methods. The participants asked questions about reducing infections, maintaining privacy and addressing social taboos around menstruation. Many shared their experiences on menstrual health for girls and women in the community."

37-year-old Jaqueline Opuva shared her experience in the training. "Before today's training, we did not always think about how our daily habits affected our health. Now I understand that simple things like washing hands with soap, keeping our water containers clean, and maintaining a clean home can protect our children from sickness. It has opened my eyes, and I now encourage everyone to practice better hygiene." Said Jacqueline.

Jacqueline enjoys the clean flowing water!

Thank you for making all of this possible!

August, 2026: Exciting Progress in Mumasaka Community!

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