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rwsn » Flagship Themes » Cost-effective Boreholes » Code of Practice

Code of Practice
The Code of Practice for Cost Effective Boreholes (Water Well Construction) is a culmination of five years of work by RWSN. It sets out the key principles that should be adhered to in order to provide optimum value for money in invested groundwater development for drinking water supplies over the long term. The Code of Practice provide clear and systematic guidance for analysis, decision-making and implementation of programmes that support the cost-effective provision of drilled water wells.

In order for drilled water wells to be cost-effective they need to be appropriately specified, properly sited and drilled using suitable methods and equipment. Where the private sector is involved, competent procurement and contract management procedures need to be followed. Drillers, as well as supervisors need to ensure adequate construction quality.

The Code of Practice for Cost Effective Boreholes can be used as follows:

  • Firstly, it provides a systematic framework for national Governments and their development partners to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of existing policies and practices. Such analysis provides a basis for informed stakeholder dialogue and action to improve the situation and can lead to decisions to develop particular standards or guidelines and even capacity-building activities.

  • Secondly, it is intended to be used as the foundation for the development of national protocols for cost-effective water well provision (in some countries the protocol is referred to as a strategy or a code of conduct). The protocols would encompass well-accepted procedures and be adhered to by all sector players as they plan and implement water supply programmes that include water well drilling. National protocols will differ and need to be flexible and broad enough to take account of local or regional differences. Neither should they be too rigid to prevent innovation.

  • Thirdly it enables international organizations, private enterprises and NGOs to examine whether they are working in accordance with best international practices.

  • Fourthly, it can be used by donor organizations in order to reflect on the relevance of their funding conditionalities and enable the identification of key areas for donor support, knowledge exchange and technical assistance.

The Code of Practice recognizes the context in which water well drilling construction programs operate. In particular four aspects of the immediate operating environment (planning and coordination, community selection, operation and maintenance and protection of environmental and ground water resources), are discussed briefly. These are essential for the long-term functioning of newly constructed supplies. The Code of Practice subsequently sets out nine principles that relate directly to the practicalities of borehole (water well) construction:

Principle 1- Professional Drilling Enterprises and Consultants: Construction of drilled water wells and supervision is undertaken by professional and competent organisations which adhere to national standards and are regulated by the public sector.

Principle 2 Siting - Appropriate siting practices are utilised.

Principle 3 Construction Method - The construction method chosen for the borehole is the most economical, considering the design and available techniques in-country. Drilling technology needs to match the borehole design.

Principle 4 Procurement - Procurement procedures ensure that contracts are awarded to experienced and qualified consultants and drilling contractors.

Principle 5 Design and Construction - The borehole design is cost-effective, designed to last for a lifespan of 20 to 50 years, and based on the minimum specification to provide a borehole which is fit for its intended purpose.

Principle 6 Contract Management, Supervision and Payment - Adequate arrangements are in place to ensure proper contract management, supervision and timely payment of the drilling contractor.

Principle 7 Data and Information - High quality hydrogeological and borehole construction data for each well is collected in a standard format and submitted to the relevant Government authority.

Principle 8 Database and Record Keeping - Storage of hydrogeological data is undertaken by a central government institution with records updated and information made freely available and used in preparing subsequent drilling specifications.

Principle 9 Monitoring - Regular visits to completed boreholes are made to monitor their functionality in the medium as well as long term with the findings published.

Download the Code of Practice for Cost Effective Boreholes

Download the Synthesis Report for Burkina Faso, Ghana and Zambia.

Find out about ongoing initiatives in other countries.

CEB References

Click here for a list of reports and country studies on cost-effective boreholes.