In January 2013, the UMBC chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB-UMBC) successfully completed an assessment trip to Isongo, Kenya for a clean water project. Students, Chris Mullen (Mechanical Engineering, ‘14) and Dalton Hughes (Chemical Engineering, ‘14), travelled with CBEE professor, Lee Blaney, and professional engineer, Duane Wilding, of the Maryland Environmental Service. The principal goal of this assessment trip was to establish a relationship with the Isongo community and to collect data on the water source currently being used by over 500 villagers. With the help of several community members, the team conducted basic topological surveys, chemical & bacteriological analysis, and household interviews over the weeklong trip.

In partnership with Simiyu House Kenya, a non-profit organization, EWB-UMBC will design and implement a clean and safe water supply for the community of Isongo. Having reliable access to clean water will reduce the incidence of waterborne disease and improve the overall living conditions of the villagers. Currently, the EWB-UMBC chapter is beginning the design phase of the project and raising funds to implement a safe water system in January 2014. The chapter expects to take 5-7 students on the implementation trip.

EWB-UMBC is a student-run organization that seeks to complete sustainable engineering projects in the developing world. All majors and backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to join. More information can be found at http://ewbatumbc.tumblr.com/.

If you would like to join the group, please email Madison Bondoc at umbc.ewb.secretary@gmail.com.

If you would like to donate to the EWB-UMBC project, please follow this link: https://ssl.charityweb.net/ewbusa/pfp/ewbumbckenyawaterproject.htm.
 

Some of the EWB-UMBC team’s helpers.

The EWB-UMBC team (minus Duane Wilding) with community leaders in Isongo.

Dalton Hughes, Chris Mullen, and Duane Wilding conducting water quality testing.

Thumbs-up all around at the end of a successful day!