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Well No. 1

New Horizons Methodist School in Lambaré

 Sponsor - Rotary International/The Rotary Clubs of Decatur, Georgia, USA; Asunción and Luque, Paraguay, SA

Our first well was drilled at the New Horizons Methodist School in Lambaré near the city of Asunción.  We selected this location because it is close to the city, and we were able to get to hardware stores, drilling supply stores and other resources easily.  It turned out to be a real blessing that we started close to home, because we wound up with a number of "challenges" to overcome.

L-R Drillers: Linda, Dilio, Esteban, Ed

Drilling site view from above

We were able to employ two Paraguayans, Esteban Mora and Dilio Samudio.  They both have a lot of construction experience.  Esteban is also a pastor, which a real plus given that we see much of the well drilling work being done in conjunction with evangelism campaigns.  As you can see, the drill site gets a little crowded with all the equipment!

Linda gets a chance to try pulling the rods

Ed and Esteban putting on another piece of drill rod

Linda collects the soil samples

In true Paraguayan style, we all take breaks to enjoy terere, a local tea

Everybody gets to pitch in, and then we take a terere break.  Terere is a cold drink made with yerba mate, which is a type of locally grown tea.  It is very refreshing and virtually EVERY Paraguayan drinks it.

Setting the submersible pump

                                  Clean, clear water!!!!

Finally we set the pump, and then try it out.  After the well has been cleaned, we get a copious flow of cold, clear water.  What a blessing for the school and the missionaries that work there.

 Technical Details

 

Sponsor:    Rotary International/Rotary Club of Decatur, Georgia, USA/Rotary Club of Asunción, Paraguay

Drilling date:  October, 2002

Location:   Latitude -   S 25°21.629'       Longitude - W 57°36.679'

Elevation:     154  meters above mean sea level

Total cost:    $ 1,706  (excludes water storage tank and system plumbing, which were previously constructed)

Drill depth: 78 meters

Soil types encountered:    Sand, sandstone, some clayey sand

Static groundwater level:   30 meters below ground surface

Dynamic groundwater level:       meters below ground surface

Installed well depth:  72 meters

Length of screened section:  30 meters

Length of gravel packed section:  60 meters

Length and type of sealed section:  Bentonite pellets - 9 meters

Pump description:    Electric submersible, 2 HP, 3 phase 220 volt

Depth to base of pump:   60 meters

Flow rate:   6,800 liters per hour 

Water analysis results: Microbiologic - no bacteria after 72 hour incubation

                                            Microscopic - no disease causing  materials found on sediment

 

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