Burkino Faso in
Western Africa

The project to solve the water problems for the villagers of Tintilou, Burkina Faso is now complete with the installation of a new drilled well.  The well is 193 feet deep.  The project manager noted the static groundwater elevation at the time of drilling was approximately 10 feet deep.  During the dry season this will drop but with a depth of 193 feet, the villagers will continue to have a good supply of safe water.

The project began in the late fall of 2008 with an assessment of the village by an experienced hydrogeologist familiar with the local geology and groundwater movements.  He identified a suitable location for the well and drilling began in December.  The well is now complete.  The well was drilled to a depth of 59 meters (193 feet) and has been properly cased and sealed to prevent surface contamination.  Pump tests show the well is producing about 4.5 gallons per minute and water quality tests indicate the water is potable. 

In late February a Volanta pump was installed and the water is flowing giving the villagers their first taste of water from the new well.  The new well and pump is a tremendous improvement over the hand excavated well that had served as the village’s source of water.  The open shallow well was prone to contamination as surface water entered the well and animals used the water.  The old well also dried up during the dry season forcing a several mile walk to obtain water from other sources.   The new well solves all of these problems.

With the availability of clean and adequate water, the village is hoping to increase its millet production and begin grinding millet for sale.  The well will not only provide water but will begin improving the economic situation for the village.  Without the well the village would have been forced to rely on subsistence farming and a life of poverty.  The well and the water it brings will have a profound impact on the lives of the people in this little corner of the world. 

A former resident of Tintilou now living in Washington D.C. said this about the new well.  “My mom was overwhelmed with joy when I announced to her the completion of the project with water flowing.  It used to be just one hand dug well with not so good water remaining in the perimeter.  She remembered all the harsh times she used to go through when the well dried out…walking miles away to get drinking water…If even available.  To say that it’s a dream come true is a false statement because the village residents weren’t even dreaming to see the realization of something like that happening.
So it’s a blessing that God has poured out upon them.” Jean

BEFORE PHOTO