How to build a safe well

Wells can provide a good source of water, but they need to be protected to prevent contamination. A protected well is a hole dug by hand with a lining, a concrete cover, a windlass to raise water, and a drainage platform. Each of these things adds protection to the well. With all of them in place, and with careful handling of the water, a family well can be very safe.

Wells should therefore never be dug too close to places like pit toilets, sewer pipes, garbage dumps, or areas where livestock are kept. These areas can allow harmful germs to seep into the water. It’s important to keep wells at least 30 meters away from these sources to ensure the water stays clean and safe to drink.

Shallow wells are often at risk of drying up or becoming contaminated, especially during the rainy season. Rainwater can carry dirt, germs, and other pollutants into the well. People and animals can also bring germs on their feet, and dirty buckets and ropes can transfer germs into the water. To avoid this, only clean buckets and ropes should be used.

In very firm soils, lining the well may seem unnecessary. But it is always wise to line at least the top 1 to 2 meters below ground to prevent the side walls from collapsing. If the entire well is lined it will make the water source more dependable, but it will be more difficult to dig the well deeper at a later time. A well can be lined with stones or rocks, with fired bricks, or with concrete.

To further protect the well, build up the area around the top to keep dirty water from flowing in. You can also create a small drainage platform around the top using bricks or concrete. This platform carries runoff away from the well to a drainage area and prevents the area around the well from getting muddy, and breeding germs and insects. Germs can grow in cracks, so it is important that the platform is well made. Pour concrete to a depth of 75 mm, with a raised outer rim 150 mm high. The entire platform and rim should be reinforced with 3 mm wire to prevent it from cracking. At the bottom of the platform, you could plant some vegetables to profit from the runoff water.

Cover the well at least with a barrel and lid to prevent children, debris and animals from falling into the well. A concrete cover slab is even better to protect your well.


Sources

• Audiopedia ID: En3128

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