The Ekarungu Community, which is home to 140 residents, often grapples with water-related illnesses caused by the neglect of its once-flowing spring.
"Very often, l get water-related illnesses. In this case, typhoid has been rampant. When l got to the hospital, l was diagnosed with typhoid," shared eight-year-old Fidelis when asked how often he gets sick.
Fidelis has endured his community's water crisis for too long, leading to frequent water-related illnesses that hinder his ability to have a normal childhood and education.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-water-project/image/upload/c_fill,dpr_auto,q_auto,f_auto,w_auto/WP-Uploads/community/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kenya420058-Kenya420058-Fidelis-O-11665.jpg)
Fidelis.
He described a recent bout of illness, "It made me weak, and l was not comfortable at all. l had to find a way to get myself comfortable; it was so disturbing. Even at night, I could not sleep. My parents took me to [the] hospital and also bought me the medicine l was prescribed by the nurse. l could not go to school for three days. l was weak."
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-water-project/image/upload/c_fill,dpr_auto,q_auto,f_auto,w_auto/WP-Uploads/community/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kenya420058-Kenya420058-Fidelis-O-11666.jpg)
Fidelis collecting water.
Every day he does not spend in school takes away another piece of his education that is crucial to chasing his dreams. But that's not the only aspect of this water crisis that has substantial negative impacts on Fidelis's life.
Because the spring isn't functioning as it should, people spend extensive time waiting in line, waiting for a chance to collect the water that makes them ill. This has caused unrest within the community, disrupting their unity.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-water-project/image/upload/c_fill,dpr_auto,q_auto,f_auto,w_auto/WP-Uploads/community/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kenya420058-Kenya420058-Queueing-for-water-11682.jpg)
Waiting for water.
We asked Fidelis if anyone had ever been unkind to him. His response was heartbreaking: "So often, I am used to it. Sometimes, it tempts me to fight back, but I just leave it at that. I feel devastated, but l do not have any other option but to obey and fetch water."
The Ekarungu Community needs their spring protected. Fidelis deserves the opportunity to enjoy his childhood and to be at peace in his own community. He has big goals, which he can only achieve if given the right tools. Clean water access is the first step in the right direction.
"My plans for the future is to work hard and smart in school so that l can get better grades that will make me attend a national school here in Kenya."
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-water-project/image/upload/c_fill,dpr_auto,q_auto,f_auto,w_auto/WP-Uploads/community/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kenya420058-Kenya420058-Children-Playing-11673.jpg)
Fidelis with his friends.
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.