Our Wells

Our wells

The majority of our wells have so far been installed in Kenyan primary schools. We have also drilled wells in Uganda, Zambia, Sierra Leone, and 11 recently in Gambia.

300 wells and counting in primary schools in Africa

300 wells and counting in primary schools in Africa

We carefully select location based on geology and community

We carefully select location based on geology and community

Water for students and wider community - around 1,000 per well

Water for students and wider community - around 1,000 per well

The water also cleans classrooms, grows food and improves hygiene

The water also cleans classrooms, grows food and improves hygiene

Each well costs around £7,000 and lasts for years

Each well costs around £7,000 and lasts for years

We have 10 years of experience installing wells

We have 10 years of experience installing wells

Our well locations

How we build our wells

Developing a partnership

Our partnership approach ensures our wells continue to provide safe water into the future.

We start by building relationships with prospective schools.

We learn about their current water access, including the quality of water available to them and how far they have to travel to fetch it.

boy walking with plastic water cans, cows drinking muddy water
man with hard hat and muddy face

Choosing a location

Our approach is demand driven; we build wells where they are most needed and wanted. But this is not the only consideration when choosing a well location.

The availability of water underground can vary dramatically in different locations. Therefore, when working in a new location we commission a hydro-geological survey. This survey helps to determine the quality and availability of water in a specific area.

We also consider the proximity to local communities, and potential contamination risks such as farms and toilets.

Once the location is selected we work with the school, the Water Resource Authority, and other governing bodies before beginning to construct the well.

Designing the well

When designing the well it is vital we can provide the volume of water required. We focus on ability to provide safe water, well efficiency and structural stability.

Our wells are designed to be low cost while maintaining quality. This allows us to provide as many schools as possible with clean water.

Although we design a well prior to construction, there are often some unknown factors that are only understood once construction begins.

two men digging a hole with pickaxes
construction truck next to borehole spouting water

Constructing the well

There are a number of construction techniques that could be used, all requiring drilling into the ground to create a borehole.

As we drill we take measurements. These inform other aspects of construction.

It is at this point that our hard work in choosing the correct well location pays off.

We now have access to the groundwater system.

Preparing the well for use

Now we ‘develop’ the well, making sure it’s ready to use.

This means we know if the water is freeflowing and sediment-free. Proper development of the well results in lower pumping costs, longer pump life, and fewer biological problems.

The final stage of preparing the well for use is to conduct tests. These tests help us select the correct pump size and ensure the water is safe to drink.

three children around well pouring water
wellboring employee in front of a blackboard

Protecting the well

Once a well is finished, we have an event to raise awareness within the school community and to educate them about maintenance and usage.

We visit twice a year to check on the well and replaces any parts needed. In addition, all schools have a phone number they are encouraged to call if they have any problems. In the event of a school reporting any breakdowns, the maintenance and repair team will respond and reach the site, often within a day.

We are proud of our partnership approach as it means the wells we install are maintained correctly. This means that safe water will be available going forwards with minimal breakdowns.