Current projects
August 2016:
Deep well drilling in Pedra Branca/Brazil with the charity «Northeastern Brazil»
We already made very good experiences with the previous projects (construction of 16 water collection tanks) in collaboration with the charity «Northeastern Brazil». Therefore, we supported the drilling of deep wells again with CHF 9'120.--.
From 2014 to 2016 a total of nine deep drilling were executed, of which eight occurred based on opinions from recognized geologists. Unfortunately, there were seven of them with no or only very little water. One drilling brought enough, but according to laboratory examiner qualitatively not very good water for the first 16 houses and farm animals. Nevertheless, this water results in a significant improvement (for example as water for cleaning, for the bathroom and so on).
A drilled hole only has a capacity of 150 litres per hour, this means it is priced as dry. However, since the four houses (built in the back part of the farm) had no running water for months, this hole was still tapped. The costs were high because the hole is located about 600 meters from the houses away. 150 litres per hour gives 3,600 litres a day - which is sufficient for the four houses. The four houses had running water. The quality of water is not yet known, due to the first water sample was lost. According to the farmworkers, the quality is better than the water of the 16 houses.
In the near future, we will carry out a very promising drilling. We hope to achieve the desired success with it.
9. drill hole – only 150 litres per hour.
The drilling process goes ahead laboriously
Soil analysis for deep well drilling
November 2014:
Following project in Pedra Branca/Brazil with the charity «Northeastern Brazil»
Based on the positive experience with the first donation for the 16 water cisterns in Pedra Branca (Ceará/Brazil), the next project with the charity «Northeastern Brazil» is pending. Water for Life transferred CHF 8'300.-- on 7 August 2012.
In 2001, a 200 hectares farm, next to a large water reservoir, could be bought in Pedra Branca CE. Landless farmworkers were settled up at the farm to plant vegetables for their own consumption and also for sale.
By the end of May 2014, the water reservoir was filled only with 15% water. The farm workers still try to pump water from large holes (that were dug by the local government) for watering their plants. Since about 60 years, it was never as dry as 2011/2013/2014. The remaining water from the reservoir is no longer suitable for drinking and cooking. It is very dirty and has a strong sulfur taste. The farm workers are forced to buy bottled water.
In 2014, they started with the drilling of a deep well. The drilling was terminated after 74 meters because the chances of finding water were low. Water for Life intends to finance new deep well drillings and various irrigation equipment, e.g. sprinklers. The project is still in its infancy since the availability of geologists and drills is very limited due to the high demand.
April 2013:
Water collection tanks in Pedra Branca
Marco G. Walser and Albert Schnarwiler with a water collection tank
Marco G. Walser was on the spot in April 2013 – about 300 kilometers inland (from Fortaleza) and was received warmly by Albert Schnarwiler. Mr Schnarwiler is living in Pedra Branca since several years. He initiated the water collection tank project, directed and brought it to a successful conclusion. The Water for Life Foundation has financed the project.
The water collection tanks are used by the 16 small-scale farmers for watering their small production areas (salad, vegetables, fruits). The farmers earn money by selling their products on the local market in the town Pedra Branca, which has about 20,000 residents.
The idea with the water collection tanks is simple: if the big water pump is set into operation to water the fields (by sprinklers), the overflow is running into the small tanks and therefore causes no additional costs. Without the tanks the water would seep unused in soil. These tanks are not only a “free-water-reserve”, but also energy efficient.
Handle through the inspection hatch
Some kids and residents on top of a water collection tank!
A farmer is working on his production area with the help of the water collection tanks
Construction of a water collection tank
