When a Dirty Stream Is Your Only Water Source

Like most women in her community, Meresa spent hours every day fetching water from the only source they had, a dirty stream.

Meresa said, “Cows drink the water, and people wash there. I have used this water for thirteen years. It takes me one hour to get there and back, and I go five times a day. It was a constant burden carrying the heavy loads of water.” 

Meresa is a hair dresser, but found it hard to divide her time between helping her clients, and getting water.

“It brings me joy to do people’s hair, but fetching water took most of my time. After I went once or twice, customers would be waiting. Others left because they didn’t want their hair washed with dirty water. I started boiling the water, but it didn’t help much. In my family, all of us have been sick many times. It was so frustrating. I prayed all the time for God to give us clean water,” explained Meresa. 

When we learned about the struggles in their community, Operation Blessing dug a deep solar powered well there. Now, Meresa has access to safe, clean water just a short walk from her home.

“I thank God for the blessing He brought us through you,” said Meresa. “The fresh water tastes much better than the water from the stream. I am so happy, because we no longer get sick from the water. I have time to run my household and my business. My income has more than doubled. I give you great thanks, because now I can use clean water to wash, bathe, cook, and drink. I appreciate you, and hope you will help others who are in need like I was.”