Manual drilling is a fast way of drilling a small diameter borehole with manual labour to access shallow groundwater. It is usually combined with a rope and washer pump or a suction-only treadle pump.
Manual well drilling is a low-cost, labor-intensive method to access shallow groundwater using percussion and rotation techniques. It is especially suited for loose soils and soft formations, with depths typically up to 50 meters. The method is used for both irrigation and domestic water supply, often combined with rope and washer pumps or treadle pumps. Challenges include limited knowledge of geology, high costs, and lack of widespread availability. The technique has been promoted by NGOs like IDE and World Vision, and is now being scaled by private enterprises and government programs in Ethiopia.
Adaptations can make water safe for drinking, including using clay or PVC lining to prevent contamination. Hybrid wells, combining hand-dug and drilled sections, are increasingly used to reduce collapse and increase water yield. Pump selection depends on depth, use, and cost, with Afridev hand pumps and treadle pumps being common. Water quality is often perceived as better than surface sources, possibly due to reduced microbial contamination.
Manual well drilling is a low-cost technique using human labor to drill small-diameter boreholes for shallow groundwater access.
Common pumps include Afridev hand pumps for domestic use, suction-only treadle pumps for irrigation, and rope and washer pumps for family wells.
Yes, with adaptations such as using clay or PVC lining to prevent contamination, manually drilled wells can provide safe drinking water.