Shallow Wells Field Manual - Locate the Well Site

1. Locate the Well Site

Do not place a well too close to the traditional water source. It should be at least 30 meters from a stream or open water hole. A new well should also be located away from any other sources of contamination, such as toilets, animal corrals or waste disposal areas. They should be 30 meters or more away.

This ensures that contaminated water will not drain to the well. Obviously the site should be close to where people live.

The precise site should be chosen by the community in consultation with maintenance personnel or the maintenance foreman.

More information must come from the village owners and more especially the elderly who have more information of their land.

Good Well Location

Look at the lie of the land, make note of the soil type and catchment areas and look for other signs such Katope trees or lines of anthills. If a band of capillaries or underground streams is found, the well will have good yield compared with one that penetrates clay.