Ross & Squibb completes Kenyan water project

Luxco-owned Ross & Squibb Distillery has completed its safe and clean water project in Kenya with NFL star Chris Long.

The project launched in summer last year with the aim of curbing water shortage in southern Kenya by providing lasting, clean and safe water in the region.

The Indiana-based distillery supported the two-time Super Bowl winner’s foundation, the Chris Long Foundation, and its Waterboys initiative.

The project created a deep borehole well in the Oloile community in Kajiado County, Kenya, dug 80 metres into the ground with the capacity to bring 100,000 litres of water to the community each day.

Previously, residents have had to drink contaminated water from seasonal rivers, or source water from hand-dug holes.

A storage tank, distribution points and a refillable water trough were also constructed in November to ensure the well’s long-term stability and success. The Chris Long Foundation’s implementing partner, Well Aware, managed the construction.

Long said: “Thanks to the generous support from Ross & Squibb Distillery, Waterboys is bringing life-changing, clean water to the Oloile community in Kenya.

“This well represents hope, health and a future for the residents who have faced severe water crises for decades. We’ve seen first hand how clean water can transform lives – reducing illness, supporting education and fostering economic growth.”

The Oloile community is home to roughly 1,600 residents, and has 100 households and one primary school. The area has previously experienced droughts that have lasted for several years and it receives an annual rainfall below 3.5 inches.

“We are grateful we were able to make such a big difference in the lives of so many through this successful partnership with Waterboys and the Chris Long Foundation,” said Allison O’Brien, brand manager for Ross & Squibb.

“We are fortunate to have a clean water source supplying our Ross & Squibb Distillery in Indiana, and we take pride in our mission to help others get access to safe water. We are looking forward to continuing this great work through new projects in the future.”

Ross & Squibb’s portfolio includes Remus Bourbon and Rossville Union Rye Whiskey, and it is the oldest distillery in Indiana, US.

Its location atop the Great Miami Buried Valley Aquifer has seen it benefit from clean water since 1847.