During our trip to Guatemala, we had the privilege of witnessing first-hand the intricate process of drilling a water well. It all begins with a community reaching out to Living Water International to request a well for their area. Living Water then surveys the site to ensure the feasibility of drilling and the potential benefits for the community.
The land designated for the well must be donated, as all wells are drilled on public property to ensure equal access for everyone in the community. In Guatemala, a generous community member donated a plot of land for the well site.
Once the site is established, Living Water ensures that the project adheres to government regulations. They collaborate closely with local municipalities to guarantee proper project execution and community involvement. Equipment is then brought in to commence the drilling process.
Drilling begins with a drill rig, which bores down to the desired depth. Core soil samples are analyzed to determine the depth at which a clean water source can be accessed. For the well in Guatemala, this depth was approximately 30 meters, though some wells can extend hundreds of meters deep! The drill rig, equipped with a drill bit, progressively deepens the borehole, with additional pipe sections attached as needed.
The drilling process is not without challenges. On our first day in the community, the well collapsed. The drilling team had to remove all the pipes and restart the process. Wells can collapse due to various reasons, often related to loose soil or rock fragments. Despite these setbacks, the community and drilling team persevered and ultimately completed the well.
Throughout the drilling process, another machine pumps water into the borehole to cool the drill bit and transport debris to the surface. Once the desired depth is reached, the pipes are removed, and PVC piping is inserted into the hole. Grout is then added between the PVC piping and the surrounding soil to prevent contamination and stabilize the borehole. Another machine is used to blow air through the PVC piping to get rid of any dirty water and debris. As the team was pumping out the pipes, we could visibly see the water getting cleaner! The team then installs the pump and constructs the pump handle, followed by pouring a concrete base to keep contaminants out of the well.
Before the water can be used, Living Water conducts rigorous water quality tests, including E. coli and coliform bacteria assessments. They continue to test each well biannually for five years post-drilling. Additionally, a maintenance committee, trained by Living Water, learns how to perform these quality tests and maintain the well, ensuring sustained access to clean water for the community.
Witnessing the extensive planning and hard work involved in completing a water project was an eye-opening experience. While volunteering for Paper for Water, it is sometimes easy to lose sight of the communities we are helping. Much of our work focuses on educating people about the global water crisis and encouraging involvement through volunteering or donating. Observing the construction of a water well served as a powerful reminder that every dollar raised and every hour spent planning events leads to tangible, life-changing transformations for these communities.
The well will be dedicated in memory of Brodie Bruner to honor his service as a Paper for Water board member and as a life-long advocate for the Thirsty around the world.