This manual is intended for use by development workers involved in the construction of wells to supply water to a local population for personal consumption. Discussed first are the basic points to consider when planning a well. Various aspects of constructing hand-dug wells are explained, including well design, supplies, the lowering and raising of workers and equipment, digging, lining techniques, construction of the middle section of a well, and construction of the bottom of a well. Addressed in the chapter on drilled wells are drilling and casing techniques; the hand rotary, hand percussion, sludger, and driven and jetted methods of well construction; and the bottom section of a drilled well. Appendixes to the manual include conversion factors and tables as well as discussions of the use of vegetation as an index of ground water, the uses of dynamite in hand-dug wells, cement, leveling and plumbing a mold, pipe, pumps, water treatment in wells, and rope strength. (MN)