Water Initiative
Environmental Concerns
The World Health Organization has identified contaminated water as the third highest risk factor for preventable death and disease. The vast majority of the water in Kenya is grossly contaminated from animal and human waste, heavy deposits of minerals/metals and pollution from industry, mining or large farming enterprises.
Access to Water
In Kenya, only 40% of the population has access to clean water all year round. Many take their water from the nearby rivers and streams; those in the urban area have intermittent water supply from their pipes. More typically, Kenyans must walk two to three hours a day for uncontaminated water, or pay exorbitant fees for bottled water. Many are forced to use run-off from roads and sewers.
Forte's Well
To address the need for clean water, Mercy Center Foundation, USA (MCF USA) constructed a 600-foot deep well on our site. Forte's Well, named for our co-founder and benefactor of the well, now serves over 500 families a day during the four-month dry season. A small committee oversees well maintenance. Villagers pay a small fee to support well maintenance and purchase diesel fuel for the pump generator.
Alternative Access to Water
MCF USA recognizes that while the installation of the well is a tremendous accomplishment, its pristine water only benefits about 2,500 people who reside in the immediate vicinity. Thus, a key component of the clean water project will be to identify alternative access to potable water for the remaining villages in the district.
Volunteer Opportunities
MCF USA will continue its quest to construct additional wells and explore relationships with organizations that are exploring methods of water purification, recycling and filtration for similar remote locations. We encourage individuals or organizations that desire to share their resources to contact us at info@mercyproject.org.
