Well Materials and Construction

Well Materials and Construction is about more than pipes and concrete—it’s the set of choices that determine whether a borehole well delivers safe water day after day, season after season. In East Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa, reliable wells come from good siting, quality drilling, durable hardware, and designs that can be maintained over time. For examples of completed projects, see our Interventions and community Stories, and explore global definitions on the WHO/UNICEF JMP site (washdata.org).

Well Materials and Construction: From survey to siting

Every water project should start with a hydro-geologic survey. The goal is to determine if there is water underground, how deep it is, and what a well at that location is likely to yield. Siting considers walking distance for users, nearby latrines and drainage, school or clinic proximity, and space for a pad and queueing area.

Borehole construction: casing, screen, and seal

• Casing — Drop in the Bucket uses PVC casing to prevent the drilled hole from collapsing during and after drilling.
• Screen — Slotted PVC or steel screen is installed across the water-bearing zone to let water in while keeping fines out.
• Gravel pack — Washed, graded silica gravel is placed outside the screen to filter fines and stabilize the hole.
• Sanitary seal — A bentonite/cement grout seal in the upper annulus blocks surface contamination.

Together, these elements prevent collapse, improve water clarity, and protect the source. See WHO guidance on wellhead protection (who.int).

Well Materials and Construction at the surface: pad, apron, and drainage

At the surface, a reinforced concrete apron slopes away from the pump to a drainage channel and soak pit. This carries spilled water away from the pump and eliminates standing water. Standing water attracts livestock and can lead to contamination. As part of community stewardship, the area is typically fenced to keep animals away. The apron diverts water several meters to a soak pit filled with rock and covered with soil, allowing water to percolate back safely and reducing mosquito breeding.

Pumps and power: choosing the right fit

Most village and school wells use a hand pump for simplicity and low operating cost. Drop in the Bucket uses open-standard India Mark II hand pumps because parts are widely available and local mechanics can be trained easily (see RWSN/UNICEF resources on handpump standards: rural-water-supply.net).

Where demand or topography calls for it, we may install solar submersible pumps with storage tanks and taps. These systems add volume and convenience but require careful siting, theft-resistant design, trained caretakers, and more specialized parts. In some contexts, they are the right choice even though costs and maintenance needs are higher.

Well Materials and Construction: Riser pipes, rods, and cylinder head

• Riser pipes — We use upgraded stainless-steel riser pipes because they resist corrosion and thread wear far better than galvanized iron, reducing failures and replacement cycles.
• Pump rods — Quality steel rods with proper couplings connect the handle to the cylinder and reduce breakage.
• Cylinder & foot valve — Brass or stainless components with approved polymer seals do the lifting; rebuildable units keep maintenance simple.

Disinfection, development, and testing

After drilling, we develop the well by airlifting to clear fines, then disinfect (chlorination) to remove transient bacteria introduced during drilling. Once the pump is fitted, we perform field water-quality tests (turbidity, pH, EC, and, where appropriate, iron, manganese, fluoride, and bacteriology) and run a pump test to confirm sustainable yield. Learn more about service levels and safety at the JMP portal (washdata.org).

What makes wells last

• Standardization — Use of common pump models with locally available parts.
• Corrosion resistance — Prioritizing stainless-steel riser pipes and quality cylinders prevents premature failures.
• Good drainage — A sloped apron, soak pit, and simple fencing reduce mud, mosquitoes, and contamination.
• Follow-up — Scheduled checks and a clear path to trained mechanics keep small issues small.

Typical materials at a glance

• Subsurface — PVC/steel casing and screen, gravel pack, bentonite/cement sanitary seal.
• Pump train — India Mark II (or compatible), stainless-steel riser pipes, steel rods, brass/stainless cylinder and foot valve.
• Headworks — Reinforced concrete apron, drain channel, soak pit, stand/spout, optional fence and inscription tile.
• Solar (where used) — Submersible pump, PV panels, controller, storage tank, tap stands, secure mounting.

Why these choices matter

For a clean water charity focused on water wells for Africa, materials and construction choices are about reliability, safety, and long-term value. Appropriate siting and robust hardware reduce breakdowns; standard parts and local training make repairs quick and affordable. That’s how a well moves from a successful drilling day to years of dependable service for schools, clinics, and villages. Explore how these decisions play out in the field on our Interventions page.