Families and water · Bocas del Toro, Panama
Families in Panama work hard for a well of their own. Simón teaches them how to drill it and keep it working. We bring volunteers and supporters together to provide the pipes, pump parts, and supplies they need.
What we build together
From our first well in 2011 to work that continues throughout the year.
wells over the years
wells each year
kits during a team visit
A question that changed the work
Our first trip to Panama was in 2005. Questions at Rotary presentations led to training with Hydromissions and our first well in 2011. Our first hand pump followed in 2013. In 2016, we began coordinating annual trips with Hydromissions, and Simón joined the project.
Field library
Simón and the families bring each well to life, from choosing a location to keeping the pump working. These pictures and stories follow their work. Printable illustrated instructions are available for the teams building wells.
Simón works with community and family members to choose a well site. Nearby families share what they know about year-round water, while he considers the land, contamination risks, and flooding. Two or three strong adults then take turns drilling together with a portable hand auger.
Once the drilling is finished, the family and crew lower a filtered PVC casing into the well. Pea gravel forms an additional filter around the bottom. The family then clears out mud and sand with a bailing bucket, preparing the well for Simón’s return to finish the base and install the pump.
When the family has cleared the sediment, Simón returns for the permanent seal and concrete base. The seal fills the narrow space outside the casing, and a reinforced 4-inch pad supports the wellhead. The coupler remains accessible above the concrete so a damaged riser can be replaced later.
Once the well is ready, Simón helps the family fit the pump. Two pipes, one inside the other, bring water up to the spigot as the handle moves. Their lengths are fitted to each well so the inner valve has room to travel without striking the fixed valve below it.
A ball, a pin, and two PVC fittings make a valve we can build in batches and send to Panama. The same ½-inch design works in both parts of the hand pump and in the bailing bucket. Here is how we make it and where it fits.
From the field
Meet the people whose knowledge, effort and encouragement keep these projects going.
Simón speaks about serving his community through water projects.
Original field recording. Titles and written summaries are available in both languages.
Audio is presented in the language originally recorded.
A field message of thanks from Felix.
Original field recording. Titles and written summaries are available in both languages.
Audio is presented in the language originally recorded.
mWater
Explore the project’s recorded well locations and field information in mWater.
Open the well map
Give water
Your gift to The Healing Fund helps buy PVC and the supplies we use to build wells and pumps. Hydromissions covers Simón’s salary, fuel, and other operating costs. Volunteers pay their own way.
When donating, select “Water Projects”.
Give through HydromissionsGiving is completed on our partner Hydromissions’ website.
Questions worth asking
The families do, with Simón working alongside them. He teaches them to drill and look after the well. Their effort is what makes this partnership work.
No. Even clear water can contain germs. Boiling the water before drinking kills disease-causing germs, and a clean, covered container helps keep it from becoming contaminated again.
No. The hand auger drills the hole. Casing protects it. The PVC pump is fitted after the well is prepared.
Absolutely. A gift for supplies helps families build wells while you stay close to home. Give through Hydromissions and select “Water Projects”. Volunteers who travel pay their own way.
