What we do
Since 2014, Water for a Village has project-managed the building of 111 improved water sources in Ethiopia that supply clean fresh water to approximately 54,000 people, 6 schools and 2 health clinics. None of our donors’ contributions have been spent on administrative costs because we are a voluntary organisation. Every dollar has helped to build a water source in a distant village.
The style of the improved water source depends primarily on the topography of the land and the decision is made as a group by the council, contractors and the villagers. Together we build either:
Hand-dug well
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A low-lying site with a high water table is selected.
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A hole 1.5 metres in diameter and about 7 metres deep is dug by hand.
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This will fill with spring water that trickles in through the walls of the hole.
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Concrete rings about 50 cm high are made on site and lowered into the hole with one of them protruding above the ground.
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The space between the rings and the wall of the hole are backfilled with gravel.
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A lift pump is constructed and positioned.
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A concrete lid is made to cover the hole so that the water remains clean.
Gravity-fed water tanker
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Spring water is collected from inside a rock face.
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This water is run by gravity in piping to a concrete water tank that we build on the spot.
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The tanker collects and stores the water.
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People access the water.
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From taps at the base of the tanker or
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The water is run further downhill and gathered from a bank of taps.
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Some of our recent installations run over more than one kilometre with several banks of taps diverting from the prime pipe.
Whenever possible, we divert water into the local clinic and/or school.
All of our sites are fenced to protect them from damage from farm animals (and sometimes hippos) and from contamination with manure.
We also ensure the area is well-drained to prevent bacteria and insects breeding.