CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter presents the methodology that will be employed in conducting the study. It outlines the research design, study area, sampling procedures, data collection methods, material acquisition and testing procedures, data analysis techniques, and the procedures for developing an improved spring protection system.

Karambi Sub-County is located in Kasese District in Western Uganda and comprises six parishes. The area lies within the rain-shadow region of the Rwenzori Mountains. Four of the six parishes rely predominantly on spring water sources and open ponds for domestic water supply, while only two parishes have partial access to piped water systems. The spring water sources serve an estimated population of 35,000 people, while approximately 17,000 people are partly served by piped water systems. On average, one spring water source serves about 700 households, equivalent to approximately two villages.

The sub-county has a total of 30 protected springs and several unprotected springs. However, only 11 protected springs remain functional, while others have either shifted from their original source eye locations or dried up completely. The methodology adopted in this study is intended to facilitate the identification of factors responsible for the shifting of spring water flow, the evaluation of existing protection methods, the assessment of locally available construction materials, and the development of an improved spring protection design.

3.2 Research Design

The study will employ a cross-sectional survey design combined with engineering field investigations and experimental testing. Existing groundwater sources within Karambi Sub-County will be assessed through field surveys and physical inspections.

A sample of ten (10) protected springs will be selected using simple random sampling from the existing spring population. The sample size has been determined based on the available resources and time constraints of the study.

Physical inspections will be conducted to evaluate the current condition, functionality, design features, and operational performance of each spring source. The study will further investigate the materials currently used in spring protection structures and assess their effectiveness.

To explore sustainable and cost-effective alternatives, the feasibility of using waste plastic bottles filled with soil as construction units for retaining walls will be investigated. These materials will be bonded using cement-sand mortar and incorporated into a trial spring protection structure. This approach is expected to contribute to environmental conservation through waste recycling while reducing construction costs.

The study will also review existing spring protection technologies and propose improvements through the incorporation of clay soil as a capping material. Additional design features will be incorporated to improve water collection efficiency, reduce water losses, and increase the durability of spring protection structures.

3.3 Material Acquisition and Preparation

The selected spring water sources will be categorized according to their operational status as either functional, partially functional, shifted, or completely dried up.

Data regarding spring discharge, water quality, water demand, and community dependence on the water source will be collected using observation checklists and structured questionnaires.

The current and projected population served by each spring source will be determined using demographic projections based on data obtained from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS, 2014).

Locally available construction materials, including clay soil, waste plastic bottles, aggregates, sand, and stones, will be identified, collected, and tested for suitability in spring protection construction.

3.4 Data Collection Methods

3.4.1 Primary Data Collection

Primary data will be collected through:

• Field observations
• Structured questionnaires
• Key informant interviews
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
• Physical inspection of spring protection structures

Community members, local leaders, water user committees, and technical personnel will be interviewed to obtain information regarding the causes of spring shifting, maintenance practices, and community perceptions of existing water sources.

3.4.2 Observation Method

Direct observations will be conducted at each selected spring source to assess:

• Condition of the protection structures
• Signs of erosion and seepage
• Source eye movement
• Water collection practices
• Drainage conditions
• Sanitation status around the spring

Observations will be recorded using standardized field observation sheets.

3.4.3 Questionnaire Survey

Structured questionnaires will be administered to households and community members using a language familiar to respondents. Information collected will include:

• Water source utilization patterns
• Frequency of spring failure
• Water accessibility challenges
• Common waterborne diseases
• Community maintenance practices
• Opinions regarding suitable spring protection methods

3.4.4 Interviews and Focus Group Discussions

Interviews will be conducted with village leaders, local council officials, water user committees, and technical officers.

Focus Group Discussions will be organized to gather collective community experiences regarding spring water management and the effects of source shifting on livelihoods and sanitation.

3.4.5 Secondary Data Collection

Secondary information will be obtained from:

• Ministry of Water and Environment reports
• UBOS publications
• District water office records
• Technical design manuals
• Published journals and research studies related to spring protection and groundwater systems

3.5 Engineering Investigations and Design Procedures

3.5.1 Site Selection

Ten spring water sources will be selected using random sampling techniques for detailed assessment.

3.5.2 Identification of Source Eye Location

Excavation will be undertaken around faulty spring structures to identify the original source eye and determine the extent of source shifting.

3.5.3 Yield Measurement

The discharge capacity of each spring will be determined using:

• Bucket and stopwatch method
• V-notch weir measurements where applicable

These measurements will help assess the productivity and sustainability of each spring source.

3.5.4 Assessment of Existing Protection Systems

A detailed inspection will be carried out to evaluate:

• Headwalls
• Retaining walls
• Collection chambers
• Apron slabs
• Drainage channels
• Overflow systems
• Supply pipes

The effectiveness of each component in protecting the spring source will be assessed.

3.5.5 Assessment of Existing Construction Materials

Materials currently used for spring protection will be examined to determine their durability, performance, and contribution to source failure.

3.6 Development of an Improved Protection Design

A comprehensive review of existing spring protection technologies will be undertaken through desk research.

Based on field findings, an improved spring protection design will be developed incorporating:

• Collection chamber
• Weep holes
• Overflow pipe
• Headwall
• Drainage channel
• Apron slab
• Supply pipe
• Clay soil capping
• Filter media consisting of graded gravel and crushed aggregates

The proposed design will be compared with existing designs to determine its effectiveness and suitability for hilly environments.

3.7 Material Testing

Laboratory and field tests will be conducted on locally available construction materials.

A. Tests on Soil-Filled Plastic Bottles

The following test will be conducted:

• Compressive Strength Test

The objective is to determine the structural suitability of plastic bottles filled with compacted soil as alternative retaining wall units.

B. Tests on Clay Soils

The following tests will be conducted:

• Direct Shear Test
• Drying Shrinkage Test
• Particle Size Distribution Test

These tests will assess the engineering properties and suitability of clay soil as a capping and sealing material for spring protection.

3.8 Pilot Construction of Improved Spring Protection Structure

One faulty spring source will be selected for reconstruction using the proposed design and locally available materials.

Construction activities will include:

• Excavation of the spring eye
• Installation of filter media
• Clay capping of the source eye
• Construction of a retaining wall using soil-filled plastic bottles
• Installation of drainage channels
• Backfilling and compaction
• Grass planting for erosion control
• Community sensitization and training on maintenance procedures

The pilot structure will be monitored to evaluate its performance and effectiveness.

3.9 Cost Analysis

A comparative cost analysis will be conducted between:

• Conventional spring protection methods
• Proposed spring protection method using locally available materials

The analysis will assess economic feasibility and potential cost savings.

3.10 Data Processing and Analysis

Collected data will be coded, entered, and analyzed using Microsoft Excel.

The following analytical techniques will be applied:

• Descriptive statistics
• Frequency distributions
• Percentages
• Tables and charts
• Ranking analysis

The analyzed data will be used to identify the major factors contributing to spring shifting, evaluate protection methods, and develop recommendations for improving spring water source sustainability.

3.11 Summary of Methodology