Shallow Well Construction in Uganda

What Is a Shallow Well?

A shallow well is an excavated or bored well that penetrates the unconfined (phreatic) aquifer — the uppermost layer of groundwater that sits above the first impermeable stratum. Shallow wells are typically 5 to 15 metres deep and 0.9 to 1.2 metres in diameter.

When properly sited and constructed, shallow wells deliver clean groundwater for drinking, cooking, livestock, and small-scale irrigation. The critical difference between a safe shallow well and a contaminated one is sanitary design and construction quality — both of which are Clapson Aqua Engineering Limited hallmarks.

Sanitary Construction Features

Every shallow well we construct includes these critical sanitary features to protect water quality and ensure longevity.

• Concrete lining rings from the bottom to 3 metres below the surface for structural integrity
• Clay sealing of the annular space from 0.3m to 3m depth to prevent surface water infiltration
• Reinforced concrete cover slab fully sealed to exclude animals, debris, and insects
• Concrete apron (at least 1.5m radius) sloped away from the well with drainage channel
• Superstructure (headwall) of concrete blocks or bricks with wellhead protection
• Hand pump or electric pump — depending on client preference and budget
• Fencing — recommended to keep livestock from contaminating the wellhead area
• Soakaway pit — for drainage of used water away from the well