BUILD A WELL
Build a Well in Africa
MORE THAN A WATER WELL
Clean Water Changes Everything
When you sponsor a well through Drop in the Bucket, you are supporting the entire project—from hydrogeological surveying and drilling to pump installation, community training, and long-term follow-up.
Because we own and operate our own drilling equipment and employ experienced local teams, your support goes directly toward building a lasting water source for a school or community.
• Safe water close to home
• Better health and school attendance
• Less time spent collecting water
• Community training and local ownership
• A sustainable water source built to last
WHY DROP
Why Sponsor Through Drop in the Bucket?
We Build the Wells
Every Project Is Documented
Built for the Long Term
Twenty Years of Experience
How It Works
From Donation to Safe Water
Talk With Our Team
We Identify the Right Community
We Survey and Drill
The Community Is Prepared
You Receive the Story
YOUR IMPACT
A Water Well That Will Change Lives for Decades
Students arrive at school healthy and ready to learn instead of spending hours collecting water. Teachers spend more time teaching. Health clinics can provide safer care. Families gain time to work, farm, and care for their children.
Every well we build is designed for long-term reliability. Community members receive training to maintain the pump, local water committees oversee its operation, and our field teams continue monitoring completed projects long after construction is finished.
When you sponsor a well through Drop in the Bucket, you are investing in a lasting source of clean water that will continue improving lives for an entire generation.
SEE YOUR IMPACT
Follow Your Well from Construction to Completion
Throughout construction, we share photographs showing the progress of the project, from the initial survey through drilling, pump installation, and completion. Once the well is finished, you'll receive GPS coordinates, beneficiary information, and photographs of the community using the new water source.
Many sponsors enjoy watching the transformation as families begin using safe water for the first time.
For major sponsors and long-term partners, we can also help arrange guided visits to completed projects with our staff when appropriate.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to sponsor a well?
The cost of drilling a well varies depending on location, geology, fuel prices, and drilling conditions. Most projects currently cost between $7,500 and $8,000, including drilling, pump installation, community training, and long-term follow-up. If dues to rising fuel costs or any other reason, the project does end up costing more than the amount you paid, DROP will cover the additional costs to get the well drilled.
How long does it take to drill a well?
The actual drilling time can take as little as a day to drill a 50-60 meter deep borehole well, but preparing a community to take ownership of a well can take several weeks or even months.
Can I dedicate the well to someone?
Yes. We encourage our donors to personalize the wells that they sponsor with a unique inscription tile with the wording of their choice. Many donors dedicate their wells in memory of a loved one, their school, church or business or just a word they find inspiring.
Will I receive updates?
Yes. Sponsors receive photographs, GPS coordinates, project information, and documentation showing the completed well and the community it serves.
Can I visit the well?
In the past, we have arranged visits to completed projects for some of our major sponsors and long-term partners. Because our work takes place in remote areas and each visit requires considerable planning and support from our Uganda-based team, these visits are reserved for special circumstances and are not part of our standard sponsorship program. Every sponsor, however, receives photographs, GPS coordinates, and detailed updates documenting the impact of their project.
