It starts with a family
Simón works with families who are willing to put in the effort a well requires. He helps choose the site, teaches them to use the auger, and works alongside them. As they build the well, they also learn the care it will need afterward.
Make the most of each trip
We can do more by preparing kits than by trying to drill every well ourselves. During a visit of about two weeks, a team usually makes 50–75 pump kits. They stay in Simón’s shed, ready to be fitted to each well as families finish drilling and cleaning it.
One small valve, several uses
We have been improving our hand pump since 2013. That work led to the universal ½-inch foot valve, a small part we can make in batches and send ahead to Panama. The same valve works at the bottom of the outer pump pipe, on the moving inner pipe, and in the bailing bucket. Using one design makes kits and spare parts easier to prepare.
A practical way to help
Donations to The Healing Fund help buy PVC and well and pump supplies. Hydromissions pays Simón’s salary, fuel, and other operating costs, and volunteers pay their own way. A well costs about US$200 overall, though costs vary. To give through Hydromissions, choose “Water Projects” on its donation page.
