Well Analysis

18 July 2011 Monday

Today we were able to look at two non or low-producing wells.

The first well is at the Kipsongo village; the well we saw yesterday. In reviewing the well history, the pump seals and polished bore have never been replaced … hence the low production which the people are experiencing. This poor functioning factor multiplies itself under the current conditions of a low water table and silt. We will re-work this well starting tomorrow morning, and plan to have it back on line by tomorrow afternoon.

The second well is at the Shimo School and village. This well is producing contaminated water; rust and possibly other chemicals. The rust, we know, is coming from the metal casing that was used when the well was drilled. The drilling contractor wasn’t aware of the harshness of the water and the need to use a more expensive, non-metallic casing. To change it out now is too close to the cost of drilling a new well; hence we’ll determine, if at all possible, a less expensive solution. We will take a water sample first thing tomorrow morning, and send it the Water Ministry lab in Nairobi, and within 2 – 3 days, know how to address these issues. Purification is our best hope, otherwise the cost may be too excessive and the well will need to be plugged and abandoned. A new well will then be needed; estimated cost of $15 – $20,000. USD

Furthermore, analysis for an additional, new well at Kipsongo is being performed.  For the sake of time, a shallow hand dug well is being evaluated. The population of the village is now in excess of 2,400 people (400+ homes). In typical conditions, the usage is 2,000 liters/day per 1,000 people. The current well won’t accomplish 50% of this need. More updates after we re-work “Kip Well #1”.

Beautiful sunsets continue nightly over Mount Elgon. No rain today, which is still needed badly though, and the weather was outstanding.  More updates tomorrow. Internet has not been operational for some time, hence the multiple updates on one day … Patience is a Virtue … in the States, a Necessity in Kenya.

My trusted pump repair and parts shop.