Ensuring integrity of water wells

Improving health and safety of well water
Reducing intrusion of biological pathogens into aquifers
Preventing pollution of water wells

Description

Ensuring integrity of water wells involves systematically monitoring, maintaining, and rehabilitating well structures to prevent contamination, leakage, and collapse. This strategy includes regular inspections, sealing of abandoned wells, proper construction standards, and prompt repair of defects. Its practical intent is to safeguard groundwater quality, ensure reliable water supply, and protect public health by addressing risks such as pollutant intrusion, equipment failure, and aquifer depletion through targeted technical and management interventions.

Implementation

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends promotion of measures to improve the safety and integrity of wells and well-head areas by reducing intrusion of biological pathogens and hazardous chemicals into aquifers at well sites.