Through this strategic partnership, Well Aware will leverage INTERA’s extensive background in geophysics to enhance the success and capacity of water well initiatives in Kenya. By deploying open-source accessible instrumentation alongside state-of-the-art surface geophysical equipment and techniques, they aim to collect an extensive database of hydrogeological information that currently does not exist in Kenya. This will aid in more efficient and accurate identification of drilling locations, dramatically reducing wait times from one to two months to two to three days, leading to more successful projects and reduced uncertainties during the drilling process.
This partnership represents a significant step towards streamlining the qualification process for critical water projects. Through this initiative, Well Aware will be able to provide 25,000 more people with lasting clean water this year alone, with that number expected to grow year over year with increased funding. The partnership will also involve collaboration with Colorado School of Mines professors Dr. Jeffrey Shragge and Dr. Rich Krahenbuhl and colleagues to provide access to a low-cost direct-current resistivity meter designed for humanitarian geophysics applications, further enhancing Well Aware’s subsurface mapping capabilities.
“Through this partnership and collaboration, Well Aware expects to complete 50% more groundwater well projects and impact 50% more people than with today’s current resources – setting a new industry standard in the nonprofit water sector,” said Sarah Evans, founder of Well Aware. “It’s an ongoing challenge for us to find the expertise and data in Kenya to complete this critical step of determining the viability of a project’s location and can be a costly process. Now we’ll be able to save tens of thousands of dollars in surveying costs.”
INTERA, known for its proven, practical, and innovative strategies, will bring their expertise to Kenya to increase confidence in drilling targets and increase the number of water well projects Well Aware can take on. Michelle Pedrazas, geoscientist at INTERA, expressed their honor in partnering with Well Aware and stated, “At INTERA, water is our business. We have proven proficiency in helping our clients identify and quantify reliable and affordable water supplies to meet their needs, and ensure the availability of water resources for future generations.”
This partnership, bolstered by the INTERA Ron Lantz Stewardship Grant, aims to fundamentally change the approach to identifying and drilling water sources in Sub-Saharan Africa. Stay tuned for updates on Well Aware’s progress and the transformative impact that will be achieved.
