WELL OVERVIEW
Many wells breakdown simply because the non-profits that built them run out of money and therefore do not have the ability to maintain them. People Water's model is built on the idea of sustainability. Because, unlike an NPO, our wells are supported through the sales of bottled water, it is not necessary for us to rely on donations and fundraisers to sustain them. This consistent source of income allows us to be more vigilant in assuring that the water projects we build will be as productive, and as life-changing, as possible.
Wells have to be dug. The average well is about two hundred feet deep--though depths can vary anywhere between sixty and fifteen-hundred feet. For smaller wells, where the water table is closer to the earth's surface, a hand drill and pump can be used. After striking water, we will typically dig an additional fifty to one-hundred feet to provide longevity for the well. The average well can serve over two thousand people and produce up to three thousand liters a day.
A well, if properly maintained, can last a very long time. But wells do require maintenance. One of the most common problems with wells is that a rubber gasket wears out. It is a small, relatively inexpensive part that can last anywhere from three months to five years, depending on how heavily the well is used. But once this crucial part has worn out the well ceases to function. And unless the ORG that built the well has the funds available to fix it, the well becomes defunct and the villagers are back to where they were before the well was ever built: walking miles for water, and/or drinking water that isn't safe.
Right now there are over 800,000 broken wells throughout the world.
That is why, in addition to digging new wells, People Water has teamed up with Edge Outreach to repair existing wells. Edge Outreach is an organization that specializes in hand-pump repair, sanitation and education, is capable of repairing roughly three wells a day! All they need are the right tools and a little bit of funding.
When a well is put into a community it changes everything... No more drinking dirty water, no more long exhausting walks for women and children, and most importantly, the people of the village can be healthier. At People Water it doesn't matter to us whether we are building a new well or fixing a broken one. The only thing that matters is that PEOPLE are gettin clean water and with that clean water a chance to live a better life. That is why we do what we do, and that is why we drink what we drink: People Water. So have a drink with us. And together let's change the world.
