From Neglect to Progress: How Chlorine Residue Testing Improves Drinking Water in Schools

Despite the consistent provision of WaterGuard to Maara sub-county schools, partner schools have been reluctant to treat their drinking water. In this regard, HopeCore started chlorine residue testing for all partner schools in Maara.

During monitoring, the WASH officer encountered many expired water guards in schools, indicating they were not being used. The demand was low, and schools rarely requested additional water guards. In addition, diarrhea cases at school increased. For example, at Kiini Secondary School, a diarrhea outbreak hospitalized more than 20 students. 

Students taking water from a tank donated by HopeCore

HopeCore conducted a water quality assessment in August 2021 with Nithi Water and Sanitation Company (NIWASCO). Only one of the 21 schools sampled had clean, treated water that students could drink. The water in the remaining schools was contaminated with feces, making it unsafe to drink and a breeding ground for illnesses. This indicated a risk of the spread of waterborne diseases among the students at these schools. 

 To stop the problem and make sure that all of the students in schools in the Mwimbi and Muthambi sub-counties were drinking treated water, The WASH monitor (Edward) was provided with a chlorine test kit to ensure water testing at the schools. He conducted testing in 160 schools during the initial testing phase and found90 that schools had not treated their water. This meant that the students in the 90 schools were drinking untreated water and were in danger of contracting diseases. During the testing, Edward would also take the time to educate the teacher health champion on the importance of treating drinking water and the risks untreated water posed to students. 

Our WASH officer  displaying the chlorine test results to a teacher

The tests were administered randomly, and the teacher's response was encouraging. Eventually, they began using the WaterGuard properly. After the initial testing phase, HopeCore collaborated with the Department of Health, Tharaka Nithi County, to conduct a second water quality assessment. Only one of the 20 schools that were sampled had fecal-contaminated water. This was a significant improvement compared to the initial water quality testing. HopeCore conducted the chlorine residue test in 117 schools during the second testing phase to assess the progress. More than 65 percent of the schools had treated drinking water.

HopeCore has noticed a significant improvement in the importance of treated drinking water, and most teachers ensure that their students drink treated water. Most schools have developed a strategy of washing their tasks on Fridays and adding clean water and WaterGuard, which will be used the following week. HopeCore has also seen an increased demand for WaterGuard. Most schools use a bottle of WaterGuard on average once per week. Edward hasn't had any expired WaterGuard in the school since then. This indicates that students are now drinking clean and treated water.

On World Water Day, it is important to recognize clean water's critical role in promoting health and well-being. Unfortunately, access to clean water remains challenging for many communities. HopeCore's efforts to promote the use of WaterGuard and improve water quality in Maara sub-county schools is a positive step towards ensuring that students have access to clean, safe drinking water. Raising awareness and educating communities on the importance of treated drinking water can help reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and promote better health outcomes for all. Let us use this day to renew our commitment to ensuring access to clean water for everyone, everywhere.

Irene Mokua, Public Health Program Manager, demonstrates to students how to use WaterGuard efficiently.