Water Blogged

Our implementing partner, Ugandan Water Project, erected a 10,000-liter polyethylene tank on a base made of brick, hard core, and cement. Once cured, the crew placed the tank on the base, made an overflow hole in the top of the structure and attached a pipe to it that extends six inches beyond the perimeter of the base. Crew members also attached face boards to the roof of the building adjacent to the tank in order to create a suitable surface to which they could attach the gutters that will allow water to flow from the metal roof to the tank. Just before the outlet pipe reaches the tank, a “T” joint was inserted to create a first flush, a rudimentary filtration system that reduces the amount of debris and contaminants that enter the tank. The crew then constructed a protective wall around the tank and first flush, as well as a tap stand located slightly downhill of the tank. The rainwater collection system will be paired with four Sawyer Point One water filters in order to ensure that all water collection from the tank will be safe for drinking.

• You brought clean water to a school with 23 staff, serving 359 students at the time of project installation
• Previously, students and staff fetched from ⁠an unsafe spring
• By bringing a rainwater collection system to facility grounds, we estimate that you eliminated up to 25.15 miles of walking and 24.04 hours of collection time per day!