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
We carefully select location based on geology and community
Water for students and wider community - around 1,000 per well
The water also cleans classrooms, grows food and improves hygiene
Each well costs around £7,000 and lasts for years
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.
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.
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.
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.