WASH Technologies - Hand Dug Wells

A hand dug well is a large diameter well dug by hand. The diameter must be greater than 0.8 metres. To enable two people to dig the well it should be 1.2 metres or more. The diameter, depth of the well, and lining used (if required), can vary depending on the conditions at the site. A lining prevents collapse of the sides of the well, and can also protect the well from surface water entering and causing contamination.



Wells can be either protected or unprotected. With unprotected wells water is collected using a bucket, or steps can be cut into the side of the well to fetch the water directly. These wells carry a high risk of contamination. Also, children and animals can fall in.
An upgraded hand dug well is preferable. It has the following components:

• A headwall or protective collar that prevents surface water from entering the well, and children and animals from falling in;
• A well cover which is cemented onto the collar and leaves a small, central hole for lifting water using a bucket;
• A windlass which is used to raise and lower a bucket with a hook on which the
  bucket should be hung when not in use; and
• A drainage apron and soak-away which ensures that spilt water will drain away and not dam up around the well, causing contamination and health hazards.

The final upgrade for a hand dug well is the installation of a hand or motor driven pump at the surface. This further reduces the chances of contamination and makes the extraction of water easier.

Hand dug well requirements
The depth to which the well must be dug, the optimum diameter of the well, and the level of service must be determined. This is based upon specific hydrological conditions.

Water quality
The water quality of the well is dependant on the inherent properties of the groundwater. Further, it may be affected by contamination that can result during water extraction. Unprotected wells present the highest risk of contamination. This risk decreases as improvements are made.

Institutional support
With the correct information local artisans can dig wells, without institutional support. Also, management of the well can be undertaken at household or community level.

Capital requirements
Costs are associated with:
Payments to labour for the digging of the well;
Materials for the lining;
Building of the protective collar;
Construction of the well cover; and
Construction of the drainage apron.

Operation and maintenance
The well must be kept clean and in a sanitary condition. It is advisable to routinely add a small dose of household disinfectant such as Jik. Water lifting devices (whether a simple windlass and bucket or a more sophisticated pump) must be maintained and / or repaired.
Advantages of hand dug wells
They include:

• The risks of contamination are decreased as the well upgrades are increased;
• The large diameter means that the well can act as a form of storage; and
• This system can provide a household level of service.

Limitations of hand dug wells include:

Children and animals can fall into unprotected wells; and
Depending on the level of improvement made to the hand dug well, there is a risk of contamination.