Malawi AFRICA University of Strathclyde, BoreSaver & SC Camera - Case Study
| Client: | University of Strathclyde |
| Location: | Malawi |
| Product: | BoreSaver Ultra C, Laval SC-500 borehole camera system, SC-166 downhole camera |
| Project Description: | Improving water supplies in rural areas |
| Keywords: | BoreSaver Ultra C, borehole contamination, Camera, iron bacteria, IRB, iron oxide, iron build up, borehole clean, irrigation, borehole, low flow, training, wellbore forensics |
“Using a camera is the best way of verifying a well is clear and working properly. It was important the camera was portable and easy to manoeuvre, this one was ideal.”
Students from the University of Strathclyde have been working on a programme* to ensure communities in rural Malawi have access to clean, safe water.
The focus is on checking, testing and maintaining vital boreholes and wells, as well as providing training and sharing expertise with local water experts.
MSc Hydrology student Charles Stafford, pictured with Ministry chemist Johannes Murowa, recently returned from Malawi and says: “Our remit was to carry out a wellbore forensics programme and we undertook a variety of tests to assess the functionality of the wells and identify any problems.
“We already knew there were high readings of dissolved iron in the water and in anticipation we brought the BoreSaver treatment solution with us. Through the camera we could see globs of orange mess floating about and the casing was covered in a thick orange residue & biofilm.
“After applying BoreSaver, we did a follow up camera survey and pumping test, the water was clear, there was no orange mass and there was at least 10% ± increase in pumping efficiency.”
*The Climate Justice Fund project is led by the University and funded by the Scottish Government. Students work with the Malawi government and in-country partners, including the Malawi Ministry of Irrigation, Agriculture and Water Development.
Photo credits: Jamie Rattray
