Water wells that tap deep aquifers are a lifesaver for rural villagers in developing countries because the alternative is to collect domestic water supplies from essentially mud puddles often shared with animals. In many instances, perfectly functional wells were built, but over time they fell into disrepair. Without a maintenance fund, and without Water User Committees to manage the resource, the wells became useless to the local villagers.

TEL International and its partners are working to replace broken hardware with new and reliable pumps and pipes that will bring existing water wells back to life. This program will help villagers help themselves by forming Water User Committees to manage the water resource, including collecting reasonable user fees to build up a maintenance fund to pay for future repairs. The result is that people’s health will improve from groundwater that is safe from waterborne pathogens, like cholera.

Women will save hours per day previously spend searching for water, giving them the time and opportunity to start or develop entrepreneurial businesses. Family livelihoods improve from the new sources of income and because health care expenses drop when waterborne diseases become rare. Children, and particularly girl children, will spend more time in school, giving hope for the future. Women are required to be members of the Water User Committee so they are empowered within the community.

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