How Much to Drill a Well?
A water well can be an important asset that supplies a reliable, ample supply of water, especially in areas where surface water is scarce or contaminated.1 When considering the costs of how much to drill a well, there are several factors involved. The cost varies based on casing, depth and size, but typically ranges from $3,750 to $15,300 for a residential water well.2
While there are numerous companies one can hire to drill a well for personal use, multiple organizations provide wells for impoverished communities around the world that lack access to clean water. Many of the people living in these communities are among the 736 million living under the poverty line, earning $1.90 or less a day.3 They often struggle to feed their families and can’t afford the luxury of clean water on their own. Thankfully, charities providing clean water, and compassionate individuals who partner with these charities, help meet this need.
How much does it cost to provide a water well for people in need? That number also varies.
Some organizations require $13,500 in donations to provide a borehole well and hand pump.4 Other water well projects quote a price tag significantly lower, such as $3,000, for a well that is only 150 feet deep.5 Shallow wells can be problematic as they may go “dry” in times of drought. This is why GFA World drills their “Jesus Wells” up to 600 feet deep, ensuring clean water is available even in times of drought.
In addition, GFA World can drill a Jesus Well for an average cost of only $1,400. Each well includes a heavy-duty, durable handpump designed to operate 20 million cycles before needing mechanical repair. Working in places such as Asia and Africa, GFA World utilizes local resources and contractors to keep costs low.
Maintenance is also handled locally. A local church is responsible for the care of each well, and this regular maintenance helps Jesus Wells last for decades to come.
Wise investments, Jesus Wells offer clean water to entire communities and impact multiple generations. Clean water protects men, women and children from waterborne diseases that can be deadly. Contributing to their health and wellbeing, this clean water helps parents better provide for their families and helps children better gain an education. It may even help them escape poverty.
1 “Groundwater Wells.” United States Geological Survey (USGS). https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/groundwater-wells?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects. Accessed September 24, 2021.
2 “Well Drilling Costs.” Central Valley Flood Protection Board. http://cvfpb.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/8b.-EIS-Attachment-Well-Drilling-Costs.pdf. Accessed September 23, 2021.
3 “Poverty.” The World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/poverty/overview. Accessed August 5, 2021.
4 “Choose Who to Help.” The Water Project. https://thewaterproject.org/sponsor-a-water-project. Accessed September 27, 2021.
5 “Water.” Zakat. https://www.zakat.org/our-work/water. Accessed September 27, 2021.