Engineers Without Borders

Otho Abwao Project

The Problem

In 2006*, the community of Otho Abwao submitted an application to EWB-USA for a water project.  Their only source of clean water was an inefficient footpump attached to a borehole.  School age girls, pregnant women, and the elderly were some of the people most commonly tasked with fetching water.  Because they could not physically operate this strenuous system, they were forced to drink contaminated surface water.   

Assessment

The University of Cincinnati chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB-UC) accepted this application and traveled to Kenya over spring break of 2007 to assess the situation.  We took water samples, mapped terrain data, recorded population information, and conducted health surveys.  We also began forging a partnership with community members.   

Design

Upon returning to UC, we got to work creating an appropriate solution.  We developed 3 solutions of varying cost and complexity to present to the community.  Through a dialogue with residents of Otho Abwao, we settled on the middle option which would replace the footpump with a solar powered pump leading toward 2 tanks near the top of the community.  The design would utilize the footpump's borehole to provide access to clean water which is naturally purified by the (underground) aquifer.  An array of 7 solar panels position for maximum efficiency would power an electrical pump (which would be lowered into the borehole)

Clean water would be directed uphill for storage in 2 ferrocement tanks.  To prevent microbial growth from contaminating the water supply, the filled tank would switch each week, allowing the other to dry.  This would naturally kill pathogens without requiring the continual purchase of chemicals such as chlorine, which is not only unsustainable, but poses serious health risks if not added in the correct amount.

The tank would connect to a distribution system, utilizing gravity to deliver water to all community members.  4 tapstands were placed strategically throughout the community; one at the school and the rest in (the center of) population clusters.  Tapstands also included a valve that filled troughs for watering animals a short distance away.  Small holes poked in the bottom of the troughs would slowly drain excess water to prevent standing water from fostering mosquito growth.   

Implementation

After some set-backs due to in-country conditions and fundraising, we finally we prepared to implement our project.  In preparation during winter quarter, we sent word for a local contractor to start constructing our tanks per our design specifications, so they would be dry and ready to hold water upon our arrival.  Over spring break of 2009, we returned to Otho Abwao, greeted by our tank design sitting at the top of the hill.  While there, we helped dig pipe trenches, install tank pluming, and create the tapstands.  We also trained several Otho Abwao residents to be water technicians; for many problems that could occur with the system, they'd be knowledgeable enough to fix them. 

However, due to a customs issue, solar panels were held up from arriving on time.  Without crucial components with the panels and pump, students had to come to terms with leaving before seeing water flow from the otherwise complete system.  Our mentor, Professor Dan Oerther graciously offered to stay behind and oversee the final instalation of the pump and solar panels. 

Soon after, the remaining supplies arrived and the footpump was removed from the borehole for good as a new solar-powered pump was lowered in.  Just as students were arriving at the Cincinnati airport, they received word that water was flowing.  Years of hard work had finally manifested itself in clear clean water flowing from tapstands throughout the community.   

Sustaining

Most groups would end here with a picture of flowing water and a good feeling.  However, EWB is focused on long-term success.  Many development projects fail soon afterwards because the design is unsustainable or inappropriate.  This was evident in our own community with a previously installed footpump with only a few people actually strong enough to use it.  By keeping our partnership with the community, we've been able to avoid this all-to-common fate.  Already we've revised the tank cover design and worked through an electrical short caused by lightning.  Because of this continual partnership, Otho Abwao is still enjoying reliable access to clean drinking water.  Our partnership is also continuing with our school project