PVC Pipe: Getting the Job Done in Alabama

Think of it, in the U.S., millions of Americans don’t have access to safe, clean water in their homes. Working with our partners Water Well Trust, H2 Alabama and Jet Stream, the piping division of General Shale who are donating 15,000 feet of PVC pipe – we’re actively reducing those numbers in Alabama.

For families living in the ‘Black Belt’ area of Alabama, the dense, dark soil conditions make drilling water wells complex and costly. In February of 2023, we announced the efforts to bring access to clean water to this area. Our non-profit partners are offering a program to identify families in need and assist in building or refurbishing their water wells. And we’re happy to report that projects are taking shape and families are benefiting.

Catch-22 for the Collier Family

The Collier family’s well was shallow and only produced after heavy rainfall.  Additionally, their shallow water well was susceptible to contamination. The family routinely had to buy water for drinking and cooking which was adding to their financial burdens. In their request for a new well, they stated, “All we want is reliable water.” Thanks to our partners, PVC pipe well casings were delivered, and a local well contractor was secured, and the Collier family is now enjoying access to clean water.

Muddy Water We Can’t Use

Our partners are now working on the second well project for another family with a well that produces “muddy water we can’t use,” as they noted in their application. As with the Collier’s well, our partners anticipate this will need to be a much deeper well, requiring drilling to at least 700 feet. In situations where the wells need to be deep, the donated PVC pipe is extremely important for low-income residents of Alabama.

Our Intrepid Partners

Water Well Trust is using its USDA grant and matching funds from the Water Systems Council to provide long-term, low-interest loans to applicants seeking new or improved water wells and septic systems. Loans have an interest rate of 1% with terms of up to 20 years. To date, the Water Well Trust has been involved in drilling or rehabilitating over 416 water wells serving 468 households across the country, many of which were USDA projects.

H2 Alabama, is working with the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB) Sanitation Health Program to identify eligible residents in the five-county area. Jet Stream’s donation of well-casing pipes will significantly lower the cost of household water wells, making the dream of safe drinking water and adequate water pressure a reality for many families.

PVC pipe is the solution for Alabama families

PVC pipe is used in the water well casing due to its cost-effectiveness and resistance to corrosion. Moving into 2024, we anticipate seeing many more water well projects delivered in Alabama with the donated PVC pipe. The Vinyl Institute is honored to play a part in helping families get access to clean water.