Sand dams are huge, impressive structures built into the riverbeds of seasonal rivers (rivers that disappear every year during dry seasons). Instead of holding back a reservoir of water like a traditional dam would, sand dams accumulate a reservoir of silt and sand. Once the rain comes, the sand will capture 1-3% of the river’s flow, allowing most of the water to pass over. Then, we construct shallow wells on the riverbank to provide water even when the river has dried up, thanks to new groundwater reserves. Learn more here!
Project Type: Sand Dam
Regional Program: Southeastern Kenya WaSH Program
Impact: 0 Served
Project Phase:
Reserved
Functionality Status: Current Monitoring Data Delayed
Project Type: Sand Dam
The Water Project’s WaSH program in Southeast Kenya aims to restore water access for communities living in a semi-arid environment through the construction of sand dams, shallow hand dug wells, and 104,000 liter rainwater catchment systems. Explore projects in this region to learn about (how you can be involved in) innovative farming, education, hygiene and sanitation training, and reliable access to clean drinking water.
Sand dams are huge, impressive structures built into the riverbeds of seasonal rivers (rivers that disappear every year during dry seasons). Instead of holding back a reservoir of water like a traditional dam would, sand dams accumulate a reservoir of silt and sand. Once the rain comes, the sand will capture 1-3% of the river’s flow, allowing most of the water to pass over. Then, we construct shallow wells on the riverbank to provide water even when the river has dried up, thanks to new groundwater reserves. Learn more here!