Shallow Well Drilling Training
Lifewater’s Shallow Well Drilling course is designed to introduce students to water well drilling using the LS100 and LS200 drill rigs. These are small, man-portable rigs capable of drilling 100-200 feet in sediments. Course time includes hands-on experience drilling a borehole, installing well casing, and placing a hand pump. Students in this basic course will learn the principles and best practices that ensure success in well drilling, gain familiarity with the technology, and have opportunities to solve typical well drilling problems.
It should be noted that this is an introductory course, as well drilling is an art that takes years to master. To give each student ample time to operate the drill rigs, class size is limited to twelve students -- a student:trainer ratio as low as 3:1. The class is held primarily outside and is physically demanding, requiring ample strength for a woman or man. Participants who are Lifewater field trainers will have the opportunity to acquire further experience under a lead trainer on training trip with one of Lifewater’s in-country partners, and then hone their technical and training skills by serving as an assistant trainer.
(Lifewater field trainers who have taken the Shallow Well Drilling course in the past are needed as assistant trainers for stateside training. Assistant trainers will not be charged a course fee. Please contact the Water Specialist at 888-541-6634 for more information.)
This course has been developed to prepare Lifewater’s volunteer field trainers (FTs) to implement Lifewater Programs with in-country partners. FTs should register for courses only through the VTIC. The course is open to other individuals and organizations when space is available. Please use the links provided on the Training Calendar to sign up for a course waiting list.
| Class information | |
| Class Length: | 3 weeks of distance learning assignments followed by 5 ½ days on-site training in San Luis Obispo. |
| Cost: | $550 includes manual, meals, and some local transportation. |
| Topics Covered Include: | Principles of mud rotary drilling, basic hydrogeology, well siting, drill site safety, water well construction, hand pump installation and maintenance, and fostering community participation. |
| Prerequisites: | No prior well drilling experience is required, but some mechanical aptitude is necessary. The class is held primarily outside. It is physically demanding, and students should be able to lift at least fifty pounds. A willingness to get dirty is essential. |
| Location: | Lifewater Training Center San Luis Obispo, CA |
| Dates Offered: |
Spring through early fall - see the
Training Calendar |
| Class Size: | 12 maximum (3 teams of 4 students) |
| Daily Schedule: | Monday-Friday 7:30 AM breakfast – 7:30 PM briefing after dinner and Saturday 7:30 AM-1:00 PM (voluntary clean-up until 4 PM). Please schedule your departing flight no earlier than 3:00 PM Saturday. |
| Dress: | Jeans, work boots, gloves, “layers” for cool mornings and warm afternoons. |
| Course Requirements: | There will be three weeks of distance learning lessons (one set per week) and two conference calls prior to 5 ½ days on-site training. Participants must complete all learning assignments, join at least one conference call, and attend all on-site training sessions. |
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