Three kinds of well
Before you build a well: hand-dug, borehole or solar
The right kind depends on the ground, how many people it serves and who nearby can repair it.
Which kind of well?
Let the ground and the community decide. A good partner explains why it chose the kind it did. Be wary of one design offered everywhere.
You can build a water well and see it finished.
Three ways to build a well, compared
| Kind | Depth | Upkeep | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand-dug | Shallow | Simple: keep the top sealed | A high water table, local builders |
| Borehole with hand pump | Deeper | Worn pump parts replaced by a caretaker | Villages and small communities |
| Solar water point | Deep, strong flow | A technician for pump and panels | Larger communities, schools, clinics |
What to ask about each
Hand-dug
Does it run low in the dry season? Is the top sealed, with a pump?
Borehole
Which pump design? India Mark II and Afridev were made for village repair.
Solar
Who is the technician, and how is the site kept secure?