Why are we drilling wells?

About 1 billion people in the world lack access to clean water. This causes over 2 million unsafe drinking water deaths every year, and the majority are children. Every day, 6,000 children die from water-related illnesses such as diarrhea, malaria, typhoid, cholera, worms, and parasites.

The lack of clean drinking water in developing countries is the starting place of a thousand miseries. It exacerbates malnutrition, sickness, infant mortality, poverty, and illiteracy. Their greatest need is clean water through community wells.

How many people will be impacted by a single well?

Wells will impact entire villages and communities. While it is hard to know the far-reaching impact one well makes – on average a shallow well gives clean water to 500 people, and a deep bore well gives clean water to 1,000 people.

What is the difference between a shallow well and a deep bore well?

The terms shallow and deep bore are two broad classifications for wells. A shallow well reaches down to the upper part of the unconfined ground water, known as the water table, at that location. A deep bore well is sunk through impermeable stratum beneath the ground water and reaches water that is trapped between two layers of stratum.

How long does it take to drill a well?

The time it takes to drill a well can vary greatly from country to country. The drilling process can range between a few months to over a year. Many factors contribute to this. Hydrologists must find the best water source in the area. Then, each country requires different permits and has regulations that must be filed and followed. Many communities are in very remote areas with rough terrain. Sometimes, drilling equipment must be replaced. All this can lengthen the time it takes to drill a well.

Why does it cost more to build in these countries, when labor there costs less?

Although labor is cheaper in developing countries, other drilling-related costs can be higher. Equipment must be brought in, sometimes from far distances, even different countries. Very often, specialized equipment is needed. Materials are scarcer and must also be shipped in. Also, these are large wells designed to provide for an entire community, sometimes over 1,000 people. This costs much more to install than a single family well.

Isn’t the water table too low in regions like Africa to support a well?

Actually, in many places in Africa the water table is better than in the United States. The problem is that these communities do not have the resources and equipment necessary to reach the water.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, your gift is entirely tax deductible. You will receive a receipt, regardless of your method of payment, which will show your tax-deductible donation.

Is my donation secure?

Yes. Your online donation will be secure through our use of PayPal. PayPal protects your financial information with industry-leading security and fraud- prevention systems. When you use PayPal, your financial information is not shared with causelife. Once your payment is complete, you will be emailed a receipt for your tax-deductible donation.

How much of my gift goes directly to the water project?

We strive to keep overhead costs to a minimum using only 6 percent for the administration of the projects and 3 percent for fundraising.

What if I am not able to provide an entire well?

In these cases, we will combine your gift with the gifts of others to provide clean water. Therefore, no gift is too small.