How to use ground water for household livestock and farming
From Audiopedia
For homes and communities, shallow groundwater can be a reliable and affordable source of water. This water can be accessed by digging shallow wells by hand, especially if the groundwater is close to the surface. These hand-dug wells are often deep enough to provide water for household needs, watering animals, and small garden irrigation. Another way to reach shallow groundwater is by drilling boreholes. This can be done using a simple, hand-operated drilling rig, which creates a narrow, deep hole that reaches the water below.
Shallow groundwater is commonly found near certain natural features, which can help guide where to dig a well. For example, riverbanks along permanent rivers or seasonal streams, such as sandy riverbeds or dry channels, are often good places to find groundwater. In areas where water naturally seeps from the ground, like downstream of pans, ponds, or earth dams, groundwater can also be accessible. Locations near lakes, swamps, or underground springs often have water close to the surface as well. Valleys, or the base of large hills and rocky areas, can also be good spots to find groundwater, as rainwater tends to collect and flow underground in these areas.
When wells are dug downstream from an earth dam, the water has typically been filtered as it seeps through the soil, making it cleaner and safer for household use. For livestock, it’s better to let them drink from a well downstream of a dam rather than directly from the reservoir. This way, animals don’t contaminate the dam water, and the dam structure is protected from erosion caused by their movement.
By locating wells in these natural areas and taking care with construction, communities can build a safe, reliable water supply for their everyday needs.
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