Creating Wells

How much does a well cost?

The cost to dig a well in Africa or India is a hard question to answer – because Africa and India are wildly diverse continents. And water wells come in many varieties. There are lots of ways to drill them.

Hand Dug

The simplest wells have traditionally been hand dug. They can be fifty or more feet deep and are used when ground water is generally abundant. These wells are extremely dangerous to build and have cost many lives. They are also often left uncovered and easily contaminated. They just aren’t an ideal solution.

Shallow Wells

One example from a young NGO known as The Bridge Water Project. Many of the drillers on this team have had experience deep in a hand dug well.

Today however, they are working with new, small rigs provided by donors here in the States. These simple machines can dig to about 150-200 feet. The rigs are very cost effective and do a great job. They can be moved with ease and allow work to happen quickly.

As these machines drill through dirt and rock, casing is installed to keep the hole from collapsing. Then a concrete base is formed around the small casing (a few feet in diameter) and is left to set up overnight.

Once the concrete pad is dry, the pump mechanism is carefully lowered into the hole and a hand pump is attached. The team makes note of how much water flows and ensures it is safe to drink.

Because these new wells are completely sealed, the water stays clean and can be consumed without any treatment.

All this for just about $4,500.

Deep Wells

In Central Kenya, just one example of how different geography can dramatically change the game, some wells must be over 900 feet deep. This introduces all kinds of challenges and expense.

First, a much larger drill rig, truck and crew are needed to actually drill the hole. It can take many days.

Then, because the water is so deep, a motorized pump must be installed. The water is simply too heavy to lift from that depth with a hand pump. Diesel generators, large electric pumps, piping, storage tanks and housing for it all can drive the cost up to $30,000 or more. But, since these very large systems serve so many people, they are still quite cost effective. In fact, some of these large systems can serve over 3,000 people!

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