Tutorial: how to service a borewell with handpump

A Step-by-Step Tutorial

In the heart of rural Africa, a borewell isn’t just a structure; it’s a lifeline. The key to ensuring its longevity and effectiveness lies in regular and efficient maintenance. Addressing this need, WellBoring GroundWater’s expert, Stephen Omondi, offers a comprehensive tutorial for servicing Handpump Borewells. This guide is more than just a manual; it’s a step towards empowering communities and other NGOs to maintain sustainable access to safe water.

The Critical Role of Regular Maintenance

For many rural communities, the groundwater well is their primary source of safe water. Neglecting its upkeep can lead to breakdowns, directly impacting the health and well-being of the community. Regular maintenance ensures that these crucial water sources remain functional and efficient, safeguarding the community’s access to safe water. This becomes increasingly important given that about 40% of Africa’s groundwater wells are either abandoned or non-functional, a pressing problem that this tutorial aims to tackle effectively.

Stephen Omondi’s Expert Tutorial

Stephen Omondi, an accomplished expert in drilling and building borewells, brings his extensive knowledge to the forefront in a 10-minute video. His tutorial is designed to be informative and easy to follow, ensuring that even beginners can understand and apply the knowledge.

Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide

  1. Water Level and Quality Check: The first step involves assessing the borewell’s water level and testing the water quality. This ensures the well’s output remains safe for consumption.
  2. Cleaning the Well and Pump: Regular cleaning of the well casing and the pump head is essential to prevent blockages and maintain the structural integrity of the well.
  3. Disassembling the Pump: The tutorial guides you through carefully removing the pump rod and cylinder, key steps for thorough maintenance.
  4. Part Replacement and Lubrication: Stephen shows how to identify and replace worn-out parts and the importance of lubricating the joints to ensure smooth operation.
  5. Reassembly and Testing: After servicing, the pump is reassembled, and its water flow is tested to confirm proper functioning.

Throughout the video, Stephen also highlights the tools and materials required for servicing, alongside important safety precautions and common servicing mistakes to avoid.

Who Can Benefit from This Tutorial?

This video serves as a vital resource for communities and NGOs managing water resources in rural areas. It not only equips them with essential maintenance skills to diminish dependence on external assistance but primarily enhances borewell longevity and usability.

The Power of Sharing Knowledge

Our objective at WellBoring extends beyond merely providing access to water; we aim to ensure this access is reliable and long-term. We believe that sharing this knowledge is a critical step in combating water scarcity in Africa. By viewing and sharing this video, you’re contributing to a larger effort to ensure consistent and safe water supply in rural communities.

Conclusion: Ensuring a Lifetime of Safe Water

Stephen’s tutorial is an essential tool in WellBoring’s mission to empower communities with the knowledge to sustain their water sources. By learning and implementing these maintenance steps, communities can ensure their borewells and handpumps serve not just for a season, but for years. Join us in this journey of knowledge-sharing and help spread this crucial information

This tutorial was kindly sponsored by Colgate in partnership with WellBoring.