Thanks to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, more than 12,600 Iraqis have access to potable water.

More than 15 new well projects have been completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in villages within the Ninawa province of Iraq. Providing 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 drilling the well, but also constructing 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,” says Lee Kenderdine, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mosul resident engineer. “The result is immediate.”

Importantly, 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,” says Kenderdine.

At the transfer of sovereignty in June 2004, there were approximately 200 projects started. Today, more than 2,000 projects have been completed.