Drilling water wells in Africa that are built to last requires technical knowledge, cultural understanding/sensitivity, proper planning, quality materials, and years of experience.

Whether you are looking to construct your own water well or looking to partner with a charity organization already drilling water wells in Africa, below are five things that you should know.

1. Drilling Water Wells Takes Technical Expertise
   There are many factors involved in drilling water wells in Africa from deciding the optimal area to drill to putting the finishing touches on construction.

These factors include but are not limited to the following:

The chemical weathering of the earth
The proximity to human and animal feces
Seasonal water table fluctuations
Water quality
Any type of safe water access construction also requires proper quality materials and must align with national standards of engineering and construction.

This all takes technical knowledge and skill to accomplish. To drill a water well, you need a team of experts that include a hydrogeologist, a drilling crew, a WASH Engineer, and a local community water committee.

Drill rigs themselves also require different components to operate effectively. There is the actual drilling machine, the air compressor, drill bits, and drilling pipe—all of which must be properly managed and adjusted throughout the drilling process.