Water for Life 27
How to maintain a well
Well water is easily contaminated when dirty buckets and dirty ropes are lowered
into the water. Keep one bucket attached to the well and use it to fill other
containers. This will ensure the well water stays clean. Providing a way to wash
hands before collecting water will also prevent contamination.
• Keep the bucket clean.
• Hang the bucket on the handle of the windlass.
• Keep the well cover in place.
• Always use the same bucket in the well.
• Keep the platform and runoff clean.
• Keep the bucket chain or rope wrapped around the windlass.
• Grease the handle bearing often for ease of use.
• Do not let children play with the well or pump.
• A fence can keep animals out.
Bucket hangs
on handle to
stay clean
Windlass
Well cover
Runof f
channel
To take advantage of the water that runs off, plant a tree or vegetable garden where
the water drains. If you cannot plant a tree or garden, make a hollow in the ground
filled with rocks or gravel for the water to seep into. This will also help prevent
mosquito breeding.