Water is one of the most precious resources on our planet, yet it remains scarce in many parts of the world, including Kenya. With over half of the population lacking access to safe drinking water, finding sustainable and affordable solutions to water scarcity has become a top priority.
One of the most effective solutions used in rural Kenya is shallow well drilling. Shallow well drilling is transforming the lives of communities, providing them with access to clean water, improving health outcomes, and driving economic development.
Quantum Geoconsultants Limited-your drilling company for shallow wells
Quantum Geoconsultants Limited saw this challenge and vowed to be the drilling company that drills shallow wells in the country. We know that everyone deserves access to safe and clean drinking water. To make this a reality, we ensure that our shallow well drilling is safe, pocket friendly, and hygienic! Our prices are per KES. 9,000 per meter, and the well has to be more than 30 meters deep. The well's diameter is usually 6 inches, and we install a 4-inch PVC casing to stabilize the well. In this article, we'll explore how shallow well drilling is changing the landscape of water provision in Kenya and discuss its benefits, challenges, and impact on rural communities.Shallow Well Drilling Techniques.
What is a shallow well? A shallow well is a hole dug, driven, drilled, or bored into the ground for water extraction. It is typically less than 50 feet deep, and its water source is an aquifer. Shallow well drilling is digging that small hole into the ground to reach an aquifer or water table. There are different techniques used in drilling a shallow well. They include:Digging
Digging is the oldest and most commonly used technique in shallow well drilling. It involves a shovel and a pick. Here, you dig until you reach the aquifer. The process is labor-intensive and time-consuming.Boring
The boring method is standard in unconsolidated and shallow aquifers. During boring, one uses power-driven or hand-operated augers.Driving
Driving involves making repeated impacts using connected pipe lengths. These pipes are driven into the ground until they reach the water table. After the drilling, the shallow well is lined with concrete or other materials to prevent contamination and ensure sustainability. The technicians then fit it with a hand pump for easy water extraction.Factors that affect shallow well drilling techniques:
The following factors determine the drilling technique of your shallow well:Geological conditions
Complex rock formations require different drilling techniques than areas with loose rock formations.Purpose of the well
The purpose of your well will determine the drilling technique. For instance, is the water for domestic use only or for farming? Farming will require more water as compared to simply domestic use.The water table of the region
How deep is the water table in your region? If it's deep, a technique like digging will not work.Budget
What's your budget for the shallow well? If you lack money, then a more straightforward drilling technique is advised. NOTE: you cannot determine these factors on your own. You need a geologist to conduct a hydrogeological survey and advise you accordingly.What challenges are facing shallow borehole drilling in Kenya?
While shallow well drilling has proven to be an effective solution for providing clean water to rural areas in Kenya, it is not without its challenges. Most drilling companies are not keen on drilling shallow boreholes because of the following reasons:The cost of equipment
The same equipment for drilling a borehole is the same that digs a shallow well. A shallow well's cost and yield are lower than a borehole's. Thus, most drilling companies take it as a waste to drill a shallow well and not a borehole.Lack of skilled technicians
Shallow borehole drilling is not as simple as one may think. It requires skill and expertise. Most geologists have specialized in borehole drilling and not shallow wells. Therefore, it's hard to find many skilled personnel for this.Lack of resources
Research shows that most people in rural Kenya want to drill shallow wells but don't have the right resources. There are also no consultation firms that could help solve this problem. We can overcome these challenges through partnerships between the government, non-governmental organizations, and local communities. For instance, Quantum Geoconsultants Limited has a team of geologists and technicians dedicated to hydrogeological surveys for shallow wells. On the other hand, the technicians specialize in drilling these boreholes in rural areas.The Impact of Shallow well drilling in Kenya
The impact of shallow well drilling in Kenya has been significant, particularly in rural areas. How so?- Access to clean water has improved, leading to improved health and economic development.
- Communities that previously depended on unsafe water sources such as streams and ponds have been able to access clean water, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.