Rosslyn Academy ran out of water yesterday.

Well, technically we still have water, but the City Council of Nairobi water has been shut off due to rationing, and the "bore hole" well is only slowly filling the reserve tank. Even though this water rationing thing is new for the people on Rosslyn campus, those off campus have been dealing with low or no water for weeks, or even months.

Nate and I have been experiencing off and on again water since we've arrived. The most difficult part about it is not necessarily the conserving water part, but the lack of control we feel about it. We're not exactly sure when it's our turn to be rationed until the water slows to a drip with the tap fully open. I've heard that you can find the rationing schedule in the newspaper, but they don't always follow the schedule they print.

Our toilet is another story. When one pulls the lever to flush, gallons of water rush down the pipes, yet a "gift" still remains for the next person who uses the loo. Nate and I have begun saving our dishwater in a bucket, and reusing it to flush the toilet. It is much more efficient.

I tried to research the reasons behind this shortage of water in Kenya. What I have gathered is that for the past couple years, the "long rains" in the spring have not been very long. Moreover, many people of Kenya do not understand or implement ways of conserving water (at least those who live in Nairobi or other cities and do not have to lug their water in jugs to their homes). And other issues such as deforestation and mismanagement play a large role.

If you're still interested, take a look at this recent article from The Daily Nation, Nairobi's newspaper. Nairobi Could be Gone in 10 Years.
When the writer mentions the Aberdare, he's referring to a mountain, and "water towers" are the mountains and forests that channel water to the springs, rivers, lakes, etc.

-jill