Shallow Wells: A Method to Provide Clean Water to the Underprivileged

Introduction

Shallow water wells that are built properly, can benefit millions of people worldwide. Shallow wells give access to clean drinking water, or water that can be made potable. The focus of this paper will be about getting, filtering, purifying, and finally drinking water. There will also be a discussion of the different methods of accomplishing each step. This paper is all about our most valuable resource, water, and making it fit to drink.

Obtaining Water & Dehydration

There are several methods to obtaining water. These range from groundwater such as lakes and ponds, to flowing streams and rainwater. No matter your situation, water is abundant, about 70% of the world’s surface is covered by water (The USGS Water Science School, 2013). It is also important that you know how to filter or purify your water, or you can risk getting waterborne pathogens, viruses, and parasites. In order to keep your body functioning properly the body requires between one and seven liters of water per day to avoid dehydration, and five gallons of water a day can serve an entire household (Vivian, 2000), (Rodney Rhoades, 2003). The human body contains from 55%-78% water depending on body size, and it takes about three days without water to cause death, although some have gone eight to ten days (Utz, 2009), (Binns, 2012). Knowing these things is important for survival because you will have a better understanding of your priorities. Remember, even though you have access to water does not mean that it is safe to drink.

Wells

In some areas around the world, getting water is just as hard as for other people to purify dirty water. In coastal regions there is plenty of water, but it is all from the ocean and it is too salinized to drink. One of th...

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