Clean Water is Fundamental Human Right

with Weyessa ‘Ace’ McAlister

by Michael McKenzie, Executive Director at Counterstream

A water well completion ceremony in the southern region of Ethiopia. Students came and enjoyed clean water after school. Image courtesy of Bridge H2OPE and Drop of Water.

Weyessa and I met in D.C. at Howard University for a convening hosted by the Black in the Environment organization. I gave a speech on intersectionality entitled “I see you.” Weyessa approached me and expressed how my words resonated with him. We immediately struck up a conversation. I learned that Weyessa's journey is filled with heartache, resilience and triumph. His story would make for a tremendous feature-length film on the art of Cognitive Reframing as his life reflects what psychology calls Post-Traumatic Growth or Motivational Resilience. As Weyessa and I conversed, he told me about the many environmental solutions he champions—particularly around water justice and equality. 

Born in rural Ethiopia, Weyessa's father and brother died from contaminated water when he was a youth. This unfortunate experience led to Weyesa being orphaned and later adopted by Americans. Rural communities in Ethiopia such as  the one Weyessa calls home, face significant challenges regarding water quality, particularly concerning bacterial contamination. Access to safe drinking water is a critical issue, with many communities relying on unimproved sources that are highly susceptible to contamination. The presence of bacteria like fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) poses serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as children under five years of age — children like young Weyessa. 

The Kalte River, a vital water source for many residents in Sodo, Wolaita, is severely contaminated with total heterotrophic bacteria and coliforms exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for potable water. Common bacterial pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella have been isolated from river samples, indicating significant public health risks associated with using this water for drinking or irrigation. 

And yet, Weyessa embraces the challenge of providing clean water in rural Ethiopia. 

While providing water solutions in the Global South, Weyessa also advances clean water solutions in the U.S. South (yes, D.C. is below the Mason Dixon line) as the D.C. Director of Community Conservation for Potomac Conservancy. In this role, Weyessa organizes and empowers D.C. Metro residents to take care of the Potomac River. The Potomac River is a significant source of drinking water for millions of people in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The drinking water treatment process begins with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Washington Aqueduct, which collects water from the Potomac River at locations such as Great Falls and Little Falls. This water is then treated at two main treatment plants to ensure it meets federal drinking water standards. 

Months after meeting Weyessa in D.C., we finally reconnected: 

Did the death of your father and brother from contaminated water inspire Bridge H2OPE?

Absolutely. That is the number one reason that motivated me to give back. I need to pass on that blessing to others [in Ethiopia] who do not have opportunities. That's why I look back at people in my country , knowing that access to clean water is the biggest challenge.

What do you remember most about your upbringing in Ethiopia?

I remember my grandfather, who had played a huge role in my life—the most generous human being you'll ever encounter. His hospitality, generosity, and all that. But there are other people just like that, too. They were very generous, regardless of their status, regardless of how poor they were in the community. It's something that I haven't seen anywhere else.

When did you get started with Bridge H2OPE?

First project visit in Wolaita Sodo (2021).

I was a junior in high school when I felt like I needed to do something for my people back home. I spoke with my uncle. And he said, water is still the number one cause of death. He said we should do something about that. And I did.

You set up a GoFundMe page and raised funds to purchase portable water filters. Then you returned to Ethiopia to distribute the filters and show the community how they worked. What did it feel like to go back to Ethiopia after having left due to the death of your father and brother?

It was quite an emotional moment for me because people were dying, and they were really sick of traveling for hours just to get to a clean water source.

After realizing that the portable water filters would eventually break, you and Bridge H2ope began constructing water wells in rural Ethiopian communities. Where did Bridge H2ope build its first water well?

We built the first water well in Sodo, Wolaita, Ethiopia, a village in the southern region. When I went back to see this water project, it was quite an emotional moment for me to know that [my people] are enjoying access to clean water for the very first time. [That experience] helped me open my eyes and see [there is] more I can do.

On the Potomac river collecting trash with other volunteers using kayaks.

Tell me about your work with the Potomac Conservancy in D.C..

My job is safeguarding the Potomac River and connecting people to this national treasure. I oversee Community Conservation, one of the three core programs they have in place. Our mission is to connect and empower communities to take action for our Hometown River [in D.C.]. I host riverside clean-up and community clean-up events. I also work with BIPOC-led organizations and provide them with opportunities to expose [these organizations], collaborate, and connect to the outdoors and the Potomac River. Wayessa also plays an instrumental role in educating the community on the threats facing the Potomac River such as pollution and contamination caused by man. 

What can local or federal governments do to ensure clean water for all?

The local and Federal governments need to ensure the right infrastructures are in place and that the right bills are passed to make clean water a fundamental human right, and help us return swimmable and fishable Potomac.