By Claude D. McKinney
Gulf Region North
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

For increased pressure the water tank is on a pedestal; others are positioned on high ground, above the village they support. (GRD Photo)

This pump house is typical of all the pump houses. (GRD Photo)

Mosul, Iraq- More than 15 new well projects have been completed in villages within the Ninawa Province. These wells provide pure drinking water for more than 12,600 Iraqis. The completed wells are part of 44 wells started in the early fall, and make a considerable contribution to the health and well-being of many small communities.

A typical well is drilled approximately 600 feet and replaces centuries old, contaminated, surface-source water. The projects included not only the drilling of the well, but the construction of a securable pump house, a pump, and an 800-gallon, raised storage tank. These 15 new wells will permanently employ more than 45 Iraqis to operate and maintain the wells.

“Of all the types of projects I manage, completing water projects is especially gratifying,” said Lee Kenderdine, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mosul Resident Engineer.

“The result is immediate,” he said.

The water these wells deliver does not require additional treatment.

“The villagers can make use of it just as it is when it gets to their homes,” said Kenderdine.

At the transfer of sovereignty in June 2004, there were just over 200 projects started. Today, over 2,000 projects have been completed, valued at $2.19 billion, and there are currently more than 1100 projects ongoing at a program value of $2.9 billion.

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Note: Claude McKinney is the Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region North. Requests for more information should be directed to Claude at (540) 542-1437. Email requests can be sent to claude.d.mckinney@tac01.usace.army.mil. For more information on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq, visit www.grd.usace.army.mil.