How much does it cost to build a well in Africa?

$50 provides clean water for one person for life. Complete water systems typically cost $10,000-$25,000 for hand pump wells or $25,000-$50,000 for mechanized wells with solar pumps. Costs vary based on geology, drilling depth, local supply chains, and site accessibility.

Where does The Water Project build wells in Africa?

We build wells and water projects in Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Uganda, focusing on rural and underserved communities in sub-Saharan Africa with the greatest need for sustainable water access.

What types of water projects do you build in Africa?

We build borehole wells with hand pumps, mechanized wells with solar pumping systems, shallow wells, and spring protection projects. All projects include community training on maintenance, hygiene, and sanitation.

Clean Water Wells in Africa - Build Wells for $50

$50

provides clean water for one person

1B+

people lack access to safe water

500M+

people in sub-Saharan Africa affected

Fund a Well Today Why Water?

Give Water. See Your Impact.

Every day in rural communities and poor urban centers throughout sub-Saharan Africa, hundreds of millions of people suffer from a lack of access to clean, safe water.

Nearly 1 billion people suffer needlessly without access to safe water. We're convinced this can change - one village at a time. It's incredibly important work. We need your help.

Through your support we invest in proven solutions, drilling fresh water wells and other water projects, providing sanitation and hygiene training, and constructing other sustainable water projects.

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Complete Transparency and Follow-Up

We show every donor the specific impact of their gifts through photos, short stories and GPS map coordinates of every project.

We follow up, monitor and evaluate the projects you support to help ensure our shared work has a long-term impact.

We believe that every supporter can be part of the story of water by learning, acting, giving and then seeing the difference they make.

We're looking for willing hands...are you ready?

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How Much Does a Well Cost in Africa?

$50 provides clean water for one person for life. That's our foundational cost for sustainable water access in rural African communities.

Complete water systems typically fall into two categories:

$10,000-$25,000 - Hand Pump Wells
Traditional wells equipped with manual hand pumps, ideal for smaller communities with basic water needs. Includes drilling, casing, pump installation, and community training.
$25,000-$50,000 - Mechanized Wells
Advanced systems with solar or electric pumps, storage tanks, and distribution points. Serves larger populations with higher capacity and convenience.

Costs vary significantly based on geology, drilling depth, local supply chains, and site accessibility. Every project includes comprehensive training for maintenance and sustainability.

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Well construction and finishing work in Kenya

Access to Clean Water Improves...

Education

With water right on school property, students won't miss class to quench their thirst, clean their classrooms, or supply school kitchens with water. With water at home, kids don't waste homework time walking long distances in search of water for their households.

Health

Water projects close to home rescue people from drinking whatever dirty water they can find. More water also means less rationing, so it's easier to stay hydrated, wash hands, and clean homes, preventing future illnesses.

Hunger

In our service areas, almost everyone has a farm or garden. To them, a lack of water means a lack of food. Improved crop irrigation equates to healthier and more plentiful crops.

Poverty

Sourcing water when it's scarce day after day saps everyone's time and energy. With water at their fingertips, people spend more time investing in their households and livelihoods.

Learn More about the Water Crisis

Where We Build Wells in Africa

We work in rural and underserved communities across sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on regions with the greatest need for sustainable water access.

Kenya

Working in water-stressed regions of central and eastern Kenya, providing sustainable solutions for rural communities facing long walks to unreliable water sources.

Sierra Leone

Supporting communities in Sierra Leone with well drilling, spring protection, and comprehensive water system maintenance training programs.

Uganda

Developing sustainable water infrastructure in Uganda's rural districts, focusing on community-managed solutions and long-term maintenance capacity.

Communities Celebrating Clean Water

When a new water project is completed, it's not just about the infrastructure—it's about transformation. Communities come together to celebrate because they know their lives have fundamentally changed.

Children can now go to school instead of walking hours for water. Mothers can start businesses. Families stay healthy. This is what your support makes possible.

Every project creates a celebration like this. Your donation doesn't just provide water—it provides hope, opportunity, and a brighter future.

Praised by Donors. Trusted by Experts.

"I have never in my life witnessed a charitable organization deliver more per dollar than The Water Project does on a regular basis."

— The Belknap Family, Water Project Sponsors

Start Making a Difference Today

$50 can provide one person with clean, safe water for life

Your gift provides technical assistance and supplies so that communities can afford to build a well or other appropriate water project. You make it possible for them to help themselves.

Why Water? Donate Now