Printable View for Presentation #77 (See also "Manual on a String").

RAISED WELL PLATFORM

  1. Existing open well or tube well, later to be modified
  2. Concrete rings, a brick ring, or a pipe extension.
  3. Compacted clay shapes a ring that must prevent dirty water from seeping in during a flood.
  4. Small rectangular platform accommodates only coming and going users. Three sides are steep enough to moor small boats or to come close enough with a truck.
  5. Steps in the access side prevents slipping in rainy or undulated conditions.
  6. People, waiting for their turn can stand in line, without hindering a person who takes the collected water home.

Author: Demotech, design for self-reliance
Version: Juli 27, 2008		 Feedback email info@demotech.org
Postal: Biesenwal 3, 6211 AD Maastricht, the Netherlands
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1

Water collecting area raised above the potential flood level in a common situation

The drawing shows a situation for collecting water for household use. It is situated in the center of a community. Care has been taken to guide spill water away from the pump, towards a place where it can safely infiltrate into the ground.
Flooding because of heavy rainfall or a high water table in a nearby river may endanger availability of safe water from a situation as this one. This may occur often at the beginning of the wet season.
If the community decides to take preventive measures to guaranty availability of save water under conditions of flooding, steps may be taken as described below.

Author: Demotech, design for self-reliance
Version: Juli 27, 2008		 Feedback email info@demotech.org
Postal: Biesenwal 3, 6211 AD Maastricht, the Netherlands
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2

Technical aspects of raising the water collecting area

  • Raising the pump itself. After removing the pump (and often the concrete base to which it is connected), the tube well lining is extended to the desired level. This PVC or steel lining has to be attached firmly to the existing pipe. Also the pumping main and the pumping rod have to be lengthened in the same amount.
    As the out of service period of the pump should be as short as possible, this construction work has to be prepared well in advance.
  • Seal the tube well against infiltration of dirty water Clay is carefully compacted around the extended tube well. This action prevents dirty water from seeping in when the surrounding is flooded. For the rest of the raised platform and the access ramp any dirt and stones may be used.

    Author: Demotech, design for self-reliance
    Version: Juli 27, 2008    		 Feedback email info@demotech.org
    Postal: Biesenwal 3, 6211 AD Maastricht, the Netherlands
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    3

    Social aspects of use during a normal (dry) situation

  • A small rectangular platform accommodates only coming and going users. Three sides are steep enough to come close by with a truck to collect.
  • Steps in the access ramp prevents slipping in rainy conditions.
  • The access ramp has to be wide enough that people, waiting for their turn, can stand in line, without hindering a person who takes the collected water home.

    Author: Demotech, design for self-reliance
    Version: Juli 27, 2008    		 Feedback email info@demotech.org
    Postal: Biesenwal 3, 6211 AD Maastricht, the Netherlands
    _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Fold here _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
    4

    Social aspects of use during a flood

  • The small rectangular platform again only accommodates coming and going users. Poles mark the start of the access ramp, otherwise invisible in the muddy water
  • Three sides are steep enough to moor small boats.
  • The steps in the access ramp are essential to prevent slipping, especially when carrying water home.