Water Well Project

One of the most Important projects for the Tarahumara is drilling water wells in their communities. More and more village leaders are petitioning  to drill for safe water supply. At the present time we have two drilling teams that are experienced in drilling. He is hoping for a third. Some of the well drilling locations are so far away that the drillers (generally 2) must remain in the area for several days of drilling through hard rock. To accommodate them a trailer was built for sleeping and the Indian community provides them with food.

Young Indian girl filling bottles of clean water  

Much equipment is needed to complete a well. However, a location to drill is the first step and Father Verplancken did this with divining rods. Often it took him hours to find the spot but in 30 attempts 27 were successful. These were shallow (15-45 feet) wells and are installed with hand pumps since there is no electricity. Each completed well has an approximate cost of $1,500.  Now, the number of wells has grown to almost 50.  The wells have become increasingly more expensive, however.  The average depth has grown to 150 feet, and the cost to $3,900.

Carrying clean water back to her home far away

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