Shallow wells are cheaper

Ashoka-Lemelson Fellow Carlos Simao is introducing new shallow tube wells to improve water supply in the drought-stricken semiarid regions of Brazil. In contrast to the deep wells dug by the government, Carlos’ shallow tube wells are less expensive, easier to build, more efficient and do not tap into the unusable water found at greater depths. Carlos’ shallow tube wells have a high outflow between 5.000 to 90.000 l/h, above the average of 2.400 l/h, with an acceptable level of salinity for human and animal consumption, and an average depth of 12m. His innovation is to substitute the helical “trados” used in sand dunes, to “trados” developed for each soil extract, next to the temporary rivers (typically dry for 10 months/year) in Brazil’s semi-arid areas. Moreover, the water from these wells can be used immediately upon installation of a pump, distinctly differing from other types of water access technologies that require rain, energy for fuel, or significant investment in training. 

Carlos ensures community ownership by involving communities in establishing and maintaining the wells, simultaneously stimulating economic development of the semiarid regions of Brazil. Increased production of crops and in turn increased incomes result in improved quality of life and wellbeing of people concerned. Carlos’s solution has proved to be cost-effective, not complicated and very applicable for this region. It has been rapidly accepted and acquired by the farmers and rural communities that are now experiencing improved water supply for both domestic use and crops. The whole process has brought an increase in the land value and improved the overall economic and social conditions. Additionally, in the process, Carlos reverses a culture of dependence and proves it is possible to get water without resorting to political favors. Since 1999, Carlos has constructed almost 4,000 wells in the region.

Instead of using regular deep wells built by big corporations with heavy machines, local communities are now building and using their own shallow tube wells due to Carlos’ innovation and conviction to spread its benefits. Secondly, Carlos’ solution guarantees payment for construction of flat tubular wells regardless of whether water is found, which rarely happens in the case of big corporations. Consequently, the cost of operation and maintenance is affordable for communities, with limited additional support from foundations and the government. The technology suggested by Carlos is simple, materials for its completion are for the most part available locally, and it is a good investment in economic development as well as in poverty reduction. 

For more information on Carlos' project, check out his profile on Ashoka's Changemakers.

Photo credit: flickr/rla579