Is a shallow well good for me in Kenya? That will depend on your location and the topography. A shallow well in Kenyan context is a hand-dug well or ‘Kisima.’ The well is normally dug by hand to depths of 80 ft. or less, there are exceptions to this. This type of well is common in Northern, Coastal, Central, Western and Some parts of the Rift-valley. Consider the following before digging your shallow well: 1. Do you have black cotton soil? If your soil type collapses easily like this one does, do not dig a shallow well. You do not want the walls of the well to collapse posing a hazard and costing you money on repairs and modifications. Red soils or compact soils are preferred. 2. Existence of springs If there are numerous natural springs in your surrounding go ahead and dig your well. This indicates that the water table is close to the surface. Springs are a result of water saturation between soil...
In this article you will get to know in simplicity some common borehole technical terms. This will guide you while you are undertaking drilling at a personal or community level. Illustrations are in pictures for ease of understanding. Some know how doesn't hurt! Borehole Layout: Image credit- Edwin N. The image above shows the general outline of a borehole. Borehole Layout with Labels: Image credit - Edwin N An alternative view with similar layouts. Borehole Pumping Process and Acronyms Explained: Image credit - Edwin N This image captures the acronyms and the general pumping process; image credits: Edwin N. Simplified Aquifer: Image credit - Edwin N A simplified view of an aquifer; image credit: Edwin N. Aquifer – Water bearing material in the sub-surface below the water table. Bgl – Below Ground Level; term used for depth inside borehole Pwl – Pumped Water Level; water level during continuous pumping Drawdown ( S )– difference in water level before and during continuous pumpi...