Step 1: Inventory of existing wells
The disaster may have contaminated or damaged a large number of wells. The first step must be to select which wells should be repaired first. The following actions should help you to make your selection.
Meet with community leaders and ask them to briefly outline which wells serve which sections of the community.
Select the wells that are most commonly used for drinking water.
Assess the type and extent of damage to the top of the well.
Estimate the amount of silt and debris in the well.
Test the pump to see if it is still working or determine what repairs are necessary.
Estimate resources needed for repairs (personnel, equipment, time and materials).
Select the wells that are used most and are easiest to repair first.