In November 2010, the EWB-ASU Chapter worked with leaders in the Bondo Community to apply for a water project in western Kenya. After the project was approved, the EWB-ASU Chapter traveled to Bondo in March 2011 to assess the situation. Several groups in Bondo showed EWB-ASU thorough water sampling confirming widespread bacterial contamination. Surveying of dams and structures was performed and building materials were tested for future use in the project. Additionally, the team made some fantastic friends in the community. The EWB-ASU chapter in cooperation with a growing group of Professional Engineering advisors, is moving into the design stage of the project. Based on information collected during the assessment trip, further materials testing and water testing is being performed in ASU and municipal laboratories. The chapter is moving forward with dam and rainwater catchment projects, and will be designing tanks, pipe systems, dams, and spillways to meet the community objectives. The chapter also plans on developing educational tools to help emphasize the importance of water treatment and present different ways community members can treat their water on an individual basis. The project will be considered successful when the Bondo community has an increased water supply, decreased water-related health issues, and community satisfaction with the project.
