What goes into a borehole, and why the cost varies

A borehole looks simple: a hand pump on a concrete apron. The work that makes it last is mostly out of sight. Here is where the money goes, and why two boreholes can cost very different amounts.

Before any drilling

The hydrogeological survey. A trained surveyor tests the ground to find where water is likely, and how deep. Skipping this step is the most common reason a borehole comes up dry.

Agreeing with the community. Who owns the land? Where will the pump sit so that the furthest household can reach it? Who will look after it? These conversations happen before a rig arrives, not after.

Drilling

Drilling is usually the biggest single cost, and it depends on:

• Depth. Water at 40 metres and water at 120 metres are very different jobs.
• Rock. Soft ground drills quickly; hard rock takes longer and wears out bits.
• Access. A rig that has to travel a day on bad roads costs more to bring in.

After drilling

• Casing, screen and gravel pack keep the hole from collapsing and the water clean.
• A pump suited to the depth.
• A concrete apron and drainage, so spilled water doesn't pool and breed mosquitoes.
• Water quality testing before anyone drinks from it.

Keeping it working

Many water points across the continent stand broken. A borehole only helps if it keeps running, so part of every project goes into:

• Training a local water committee to collect small user fees and manage repairs.
• Training a pump mechanic from the area and stocking spare parts.
• Follow-up visits to check the pump is still working, which we report on.

What this means for your gift

Your gift is pooled with other donors' gifts to this cause and spent against a budget for each borehole. The figures on the wells and boreholes page are planning estimates. The quarterly field report shows what each borehole actually cost and how many are still working.