For many communities, drilling a borehole well is the most effective long-term solution. This process transitions a community from an unsafe and unreliable water source to a well or borehole with a handpump or a solar power pump.
WATERisLIFE uses varying type of drill rigs, depending on the area’s geology and accessibility:
WATERisLIFE uses varying type of drill rigs, depending on the area’s geology and accessibility:
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WHAT DOES IT DO?
- A large, sophisticated (and usually hydraulic) drilling rig, which is a larger investment in capital but provides a greater return. This technology can drill hundreds of feet and potentially create long-term water access for a $5,000-$35,000 investment.
- A small conventional rig. Small cable-tool rigs, small trailer-mounted hydraulic rigs and unconventional mechanical rigs are lower-cost options — and appropriate for many situations. In this case, wells can be drilled for less than $8,000 (including software and hardware).
- A human-operated drill, such as the Water4 drill rig.This technique keeps costs and technical sophistication to a minimum, with potential for both a clean drinking water supply and small irrigation well construction. This type of well can cost a few hundred to a few thousand U.S. dollars, depending on location.