To increase access to sustainable supplies of safe water for the poor, groundwater resources need to be exploited successfully, sustainably and economically on a much larger scale than they are at present. Unfortunately, techniques for finding and exploiting groundwater are not widely available.

This book sets out to be a user-friendly guide to developing groundwater for rural water supplies. It is specifically designed and developed to meet the needs of rural water supply project staff in developing countries. It provides information on simple, effective techniques for siting wells and boreholes, assessing resource sustainability, constructing and testing the yield of boreholes and wells, and monitoring groundwater quality. The authors endeavour to set the technical aspects of rural water supply firmly in the relevant socio-economic context, so that guidance given is not in conflict with community aspects.

Table of Contents:

Introduction; PART I BACKGROUND: Groundwater; A project manager’s guide to developing groundwater
PART II TECHNIQUES FOR DEVELOPING GROUNDWATER: General reconnaissance; Socio-economic aspects; Siting wells or boreholes; Drilling and constructing wells and boreholes; Testing borehole and well yield performance; Rudimentary groundwater quality assessment
PART III GETTING THE MOST FROM THE PROJECT: Planning the technical aspects of a rural water supply project; Storing and using information; Ensuring sustainability: ongoing monitoring and maintenance
Bibliography; Index