Water Relief FAQs
At Noor Relief Fund, we believe that an informed donor is a confident donor. We want you to understand exactly how our water projects work, what your donation achieves, and how we ensure every pound is used responsibly.
Below, you will find answers to the most common questions about our water well projects. If your question is not covered here, please do not hesitate to contact our team directly.
General Information
What is the water well project?
NRF’s water well project provides sustainable, clean drinking water to communities in need by installing wells and water infrastructure in areas facing severe water scarcity. We build shallow wells and deep boreholes in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) and install water handpumps in Pakistan.
How does the water well project work?
We identify regions with the most urgent water needs and collaborate with local communities and partners to install wells. The process includes site selection, geological assessment, drilling, pump and solar panel installation, water quality testing, and community handover. We also provide training on well maintenance and water sanitation to ensure the wells remain functional for years.
Why is access to clean water so important?
Clean water is essential for survival, health, and development. Lack of access to safe water contributes to preventable diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea, and traps communities in cycles of poverty. Access to clean water improves hygiene, enables education (children no longer walk for water), and creates economic opportunities (communities can grow crops and build livelihoods).
Well Installation and Specifications
How deep does a water well need to be?
The depth depends on local geology and the water table. Shallow wells are dug up to 25 metres deep. Deep boreholes range from 50 to 200 metres. The goal is to reach a reliable water source that meets the community’s long-term needs.
What type of pump is used in a water well?
The pump type depends on the well’s depth and the community’s water needs. Shallow wells typically use hand pumps or solar-powered submersible pumps. Deep boreholes use submersible pumps powered by solar panels or electricity. Water handpumps in Pakistan are manually operated pumps installed at a depth of 15 to 20 metres.
How is the water quality tested?
Water is tested for contaminants such as bacteria, nitrates, heavy metals, and chemicals. Samples are analysed to ensure the water meets safety standards. We also retest after installation to confirm ongoing water safety.
What maintenance does a water well require?
Maintenance includes inspecting and cleaning the well casing and pump system, testing for contaminants, checking for signs of structural damage, and ensuring the well head is sealed and protected. NRF ensures communities are trained and equipped to carry out routine maintenance independently.
How long does a water well last?
A well can last 20 to 50 years or longer with proper construction and maintenance. Regular inspections and upkeep are crucial for prolonging its lifespan. Communities are trained to take ownership of their well and carry out necessary maintenance.
How much does it cost to install a water well?
A shallow well in East Africa costs £2,000. A deep borehole in East Africa costs £20,000. A water handpump in Pakistan costs £100. Each price includes the full project: site selection, drilling, equipment, water testing, protective structures, and a comprehensive final report.
Can well water be used for irrigation?
Yes. Well water can be used for both drinking and irrigation, provided it meets quality and safety standards. This is one of the most transformative aspects of a water well: it enables communities to grow food, raise livestock, and become self-sufficient.
The Construction Process
What are the stages of building a water well?
The process follows four stages:
Stage 1: Pre-Construction. Site selection, permits, legal compliance, and well design tailored to local needs, including depth, casing type, pump specifications, and diameter.
Stage 2: Well Construction. Drilling using specialised equipment, casing installation to prevent contamination and collapse, grouting and sealing for long-term stability, and installation of the pump, solar panel, piping, and water taps.
Stage 3: Water Testing and Completion. Water quality testing for harmful contaminants, flow rate testing to confirm the well meets community demand, and installation of protective structures such as a well head and platform.
Stage 4: Reporting and Maintenance. A comprehensive final report is provided to the donor, including construction details, water quality results, flow rate measurements, and a financial summary. The community is trained to maintain the well independently.
How long does it take to build a water well?
A typical well project takes 18 to 24 months from donor confirmation to completion. Timelines can vary depending on site conditions, weather, terrain, and the accessibility of remote locations. NRF is committed to completing projects as efficiently as possible and providing your report as soon as the project is finished.
Why does it take 18 to 24 months?
Building a water well involves many careful steps: geological assessment, site selection, obtaining permits, sourcing materials, construction, pump and solar panel installation, plaque installation, water quality testing, and final reporting. Many of the areas we work in are remote and can be affected by flooding, conflict, limited infrastructure, or seasonal conditions that influence the timeline.
What happens during the pre-construction phase?
We carefully select the optimal location, considering water table depth, contamination risks, and accessibility. We obtain all necessary permits and ensure full legal compliance. The well is then designed to meet local needs, including the appropriate depth, casing type, pump specifications, and diameter.
What equipment is installed with the well?
Shallow wells are equipped with a water pump, solar panel, proper piping, a large water tank, and water taps. Deep boreholes include a submersible pump, solar panels or electrical connection, extensive piping, water storage tanks, and multiple water taps. Handpumps in Pakistan include the pump mechanism and underground piping.
What happens after the well is completed?
You receive a comprehensive final report. The community takes ownership of the well, having been trained in maintenance and water management. NRF ensures the community has the resources for ongoing upkeep. Regular checks and timely repairs keep the water flowing.
Community Impact and Sustainability
How many people will benefit from a water well?
A well typically serves between 500 and 2,000 people, depending on its depth, type, and the community size. Shallow wells generally serve smaller villages. Deep boreholes can serve over 1,000 people and supply water to multiple villages. A handpump in Pakistan serves one family.
How do you ensure the water well benefits everyone in the community?
We consult with community leaders during the planning phase to ensure the well is positioned for maximum accessibility. The goal is equitable distribution so that as many people as possible can benefit.
What kind of impact can we expect after a water well is installed?
Communities experience improved health outcomes as waterborne diseases are reduced. Women and children gain time previously spent walking for water, which can be redirected to education and income-generating activities. Agricultural output increases where water can be used for irrigation. The community’s overall self-sufficiency is strengthened.
How do you ensure the sustainability of the water wells?
We involve local communities in both the construction and ongoing maintenance of the well. We provide education on water conservation, hygiene, and pump maintenance. This community ownership model ensures the well continues to function and serve the community for decades.
How do you select which communities receive water wells?
Communities are selected based on the severity of their water need, access to existing water resources, and the potential for sustainable impact. We assess local geological conditions and collaborate with community leaders to determine where a well will make the greatest difference.
What happens if a well needs repairs?
Communities are trained to carry out routine maintenance. For more significant repairs, NRF works with local partners to ensure the well is restored as quickly as possible. The goal is to minimise any disruption to the community’s water supply.
Donating and Supporting the Project
How can I donate to the water well project?
You can donate online through our website, by bank transfer, by PayPal, by cheque, by postal order, or by phone. Visit our Ways to Donate page for full details of all payment methods.
Can I donate to a specific water well project or location?
Yes. For shallow wells and boreholes, you can specify a preference for Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda. Our teams will then select the optimal site within your chosen country.
Can I pay for a water well in instalments?
Yes. You can set up a monthly donation towards your well. Once your total contributions reach the full project cost (£2,000 for a shallow well or £20,000 for a borehole), NRF will assign and begin your project. If you stop before the full amount is reached, your contributions will be used to support other water projects.
Are my donations eligible for Gift Aid?
Yes. If you are a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid increases the value of your donation by 25% at no extra cost to you. For example, a £2,000 well donation becomes worth £2,500. You will have the opportunity to complete a Gift Aid declaration when you donate.
Can I donate monthly to support ongoing water well installations?
Yes. You can join The Stream, NRF’s monthly giving programme dedicated to clean water, from just £5 per month. Your regular contributions are pooled with other members’ gifts to fund water projects across East Africa, Pakistan, and Yemen. You can also make a monthly contribution to NRF’s Water Charity fund.
Can I donate in someone’s memory or honour?
Yes. You can dedicate a water well, handpump, or Water Charity donation to a loved one who has passed away, or in honour of someone special. For wells and boreholes, a personalised plaque (up to 50 characters) will be displayed at the site. For handpumps, you will receive a certificate of appreciation. Simply let us know the name or dedication when you donate.
What happens to my recurring donation once my well is fully funded?
Once your final instalment is received and the total reaches the project cost, your well project will be assigned and construction will begin. If your recurring donation is not cancelled, your ongoing contributions will be directed towards another water project. You can cancel your recurring donation at any time by contacting your bank or our team directly.
Volunteering and Getting Involved
How can I get involved with the water well project?
You can donate, volunteer at local events, or organise your own fundraising activities. Visit our Get Involved pages for more information about volunteering and fundraising with NRF.
Can I volunteer to help install water wells?
NRF works with local professional teams for well installation. However, we welcome volunteers for fundraising, awareness campaigns, and community outreach in the UK. Visit our Volunteer with Us page for current opportunities.
Can I host a fundraising event for the water well project?
Yes. We encourage supporters to host events such as sponsored walks, bake sales, community dinners, or challenge events to raise funds for water wells. Contact our team for materials and support to help you get started. Visit our Fundraise for Us page for ideas and guidance.
Are there opportunities for corporate partnerships?
Yes. Businesses can partner with NRF through donations, employee fundraising, matched giving, or by sponsoring a water well or borehole. A deep borehole in your company’s name provides clean water to over a thousand people for decades. Contact our team to discuss partnership opportunities.
Financial Transparency and Accountability
How can I be sure my donation is used responsibly?
NRF is committed to full transparency. After the completion of each water well project, you receive a comprehensive final report including construction details, water quality testing results, flow rate measurements, and a financial summary showing exactly how your donation was used. NRF is a registered charity (number 1190503) with the Charity Commission in England and Wales and is registered with the Fundraising Regulator.
Does NRF publish financial reports?
Yes. As a registered charity, NRF submits independently audited annual reports to the Charity Commission. These reports are publicly available and detail how funds are allocated across all of NRF’s programmes.
How does NRF handle administrative costs?
NRF does not claim a 100% donation policy. A small portion of donations goes towards administration, staff, and generating further income. For every £1 received, around 11p goes towards raising further funds, meaning your donation is effectively multiplied. You can read the full breakdown on our How We Cover Our Expenses page.
Impact and Progress
What impact does a donation have?
Donations fund the construction of water wells and the installation of handpumps in underserved communities, bringing clean water and improving health, education, and livelihoods. A single well can serve 500 to 2,000 people for 20 to 50 years. A single handpump provides a family with clean water for years.
How do you measure the success of your water well projects?
We track the number of wells and handpumps installed, monitor water quality, measure flow rates, and gather community feedback. Each completed project is documented in a comprehensive report. We evaluate our projects to continuously improve our work and maximise impact.
How can I stay updated on the progress of the projects?
Follow NRF on social media and subscribe to our newsletters to receive updates, success stories, and impact reports. Stream members receive dedicated updates on the water projects their contributions fund. Well and handpump donors receive individual project reports upon completion.
Still Have Questions?
We Are Here to Help
If your question was not answered above, our team would be happy to help. Get in touch with us directly and we will provide the information you need.
Phone
+44 (0) 20 8064 1903
SMS and WhatsApp
+44 (0) 7432 722001
info@nrf.org.uk
Ready to Make a Difference?
Now that you know how it works, there is only one question left: will you help?
For £100, you can give a family in Pakistan clean water. For £2,000, you can transform a village in East Africa. For £20,000, you can provide water to over a thousand people for decades. Or join The Stream from just £5 a month and make clean water your ongoing commitment.
Whatever you choose, your generosity will change lives.