build byu human powered water well drill

2023-06-08

Clean water should not be something we even have to think twice about; however, this is not currently the reality for millions of people in developing countries. The struggle to receive access to clean water is particularly hard-hitting in rural areas, where people are commonly dependent upon hand-dug wells and other exposed sources, often resulting in a prevalence of contamination. An economical answer to this issue for clean water availability is the implementation of human-powered well drills. Such a technology can offer an environmentally-friendly and sustainable way to garner safe water.

Digging for wells can be a taxing endeavor; one that sees those toiling away with rudimentary materials such as picks and shovels, taking several drawn-out weeks to see fruition. Unfortunately, the challenge is only compounded by how often these man-made openings tend to collapse, be sullied by contaminants, or be short on water supplies.

Communities in rural areas are often facing the challenges of accessing clean water – but that may soon change. An ingenious manual drill has been designed to use human energy to insert an auger into the ground and open up wells of fresh, pure liquid. Not only is this affordable and earth-friendly, but it’s also a sustainable way to solve the problem.

Constructed of durable metal materials, the modern drill is composed of a robust rig, sharp-toothed auger, and an ergonomic handle. The rig – made of either steel or aluminum – is the primary mechanism in the drill. Its partner, the auger, works in conjunction with the grips of two people to manipulate its teeth into the ground with ease. Together, these elements function without requiring any additional power supply or assistance.

Constructing a human-powered water well starts with digging a 6 feet shallow well. Once that step is done, it’s time to plug in the drilling rig and auger. All you have to do is get the handle turning, and the auger will start cutting through the ground and create the well’s hole. Once it has gone deep enough — usually ranging from 20 to 60 feet depending on the area — the job is done!

Villages with limited resources can access clean water easily and cost-effectively by employing a human-powered well drill. This tool proves advantageous for deep aquifer mining that is less likely to be contaminated, while the process is also streamlined, cutting down on labor hours. With no need for additional power sources and fast, efficient drilling, this modern technique has revolutionized rural communities’ access to clean water.

To wrap up, an inventive and sustainable approach to providing clean water access to numerous rural communities across the globe is the human-powered water well drill. By implementing this drill, the ability for individuals to obtain fresh and secure fluid becomes faster, easier, and more effective. The human-powered drill delivers a mutually beneficial result for not only those living in rustic areas lacking safe drinking water, but also for people seeking out sustainable solutions, creating a victory for all.