Protected Spring
Rehabilitation Project
The 280 people who live in the Manyasa Community rely on Sutse Spring, an unprotected local water source, for their daily water needs. At first glance, nothing looks wrong. The water flows freely, but contamination often can't be seen, and the waterborne illnesses that run through this community tell a different story. The spring quietly puts every man, woman, and child who consumes its water at risk.
The unsafe spring.
Without an alternative, people must use the water regardless of the costs.
"Community members reported experiencing waterborne illnesses such as diarrhea, stomach upsets, and typhoid, especially during the rainy season when water quality may be compromised," reported Field Officer Faith.
Ann Keya, a 45-year-old mother and farmer, shared a recent experience.
"A few months ago, my youngest child suffered from diarrhea and stomach pains after drinking water from the spring during the rainy season. We took the child to the health center for treatment, which was costly and disrupted both work and school. Since then, I try to boil our drinking water, but the cost of fuel makes it difficult to do so consistently," said Ann.
Ann waits to collect water from the spring that she knows may make her family ill.
"The cost of treatment and transport takes a significant portion of our household income, especially when more than one family member falls ill, making it difficult to meet other basic needs. Water-related illnesses lead to medical expenses, loss of income due to missed work, and children missing school. Caring for sick family members also takes time away from household chores and farming, placing additional strain on the family's finances and well-being," Ann continued.
"It is painful and worrying to know that the water we depend on can make my family sick. Everyone deserves safe, clean drinking water," Ann lamented.
Water users have done their best to rectify the issues facing the spring, but without success. They've organized community meetings, conducted clean-ups, and made minor repairs to the water point using locally available resources, and reached out to others for help. But nothing has helped because they lack the knowledge or expertise to resolve the real issues.
"Water is life because my family depends on it every day for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, farming, and keeping our home clean. Without safe water, our health, livelihoods, and children's education are affected. Having a reliable source of clean water would improve our quality of life and give us peace of mind," Ann said
"I hope the water point is rehabilitated so we can have reliable, safe water without constantly fearing illness or spending money on treatment."
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.
