Discover the importance, types, and uses of water pans in cooking, agriculture, and wildlife conservation. Learn how they help retain moisture and support ecosystems.
Water pans are large dug-out holes in the ground that store rainwater or pumped water. They are used by farmers to irrigate their crops all year round.
What Are Water Pans?
Water pans are artificial ponds or small reservoirs that are dug to collect and store water. They are very helpful for small-scale and medium-scale farmers who need water for irrigation, livestock, and even household use.
Water pans can be lined with dam liners to prevent water from seeping into the ground. This helps store more water for a longer time.
Benefits of Water Pans
Water pans provide many benefits to farmers. Here is a table showing the key advantages:
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| All-Year Irrigation | Water pans give water even during dry seasons. |
| Cost Saving | Farmers do not need to buy water from far sources. |
| Crop Yield Improvement | With enough water, crops grow healthier and faster. |
| Livestock Watering | Animals have clean water to drink. |
| Household Use | Extra water can be used for cleaning and other home uses. |
| Fish Farming (Aquaculture) | Farmers can raise fish in large water pans. |
Water Harvesting with Dam Liners in Kenya
Water harvesting with dam liners in Kenya is an important part of consistent farming. Grekkon Limited is one of the largest suppliers of the three main types of dam liners in Kenya. These dam liners are useful for both water harvesting and fish farming. They serve smallholder and medium commercial farmers.
We encourage every commercial crop farmer to dig a Water Pan for irrigation during the off-season. After the pan is dug, we line it with a dam liner (also called geomembrane). This plastic material keeps water from leaking into the soil. Water pans lined with dam liners allow the farmer to grow crops when others are waiting for rain.
The crops grown in the off-season fetch better prices, which means the farmer earns more money. The dam liners are made with anti-UV material, meaning they last long even under the hot sun.
Step-by-Step: How to Plan Water Harvesting with Water Pans
- Know Your Farm Area
- Measure how big your farm is.
- Choose Irrigation Method
- Drip irrigation is the most water-efficient method.
- Understand Dry Season Duration
- Find out how many months you have no rain.
- Calculate Water Needs
- Use crop data to know how much water your crops need.
- Design the Right Water Pan Size
- Make sure your pan holds enough water.
- Buy the Correct Dam Liner
- Get a liner that fits the size and type of your pan.
Example: Strawberry Farming on One Acre
Let’s say you want to grow strawberries on one acre. One acre is about 4,048 square meters. If using drip irrigation, strawberries need about 100,000 liters per week.
Assume the dry season is 32 weeks:
Water Needed = 100,000 liters x 32 weeks = 3.2 million liters
You will need a water pan with the following dimensions:
| Measurement | Value |
| Length | 36 meters |
| Width | 36 meters |
| Depth | 2.5 meters |
You will need a dam liner of about 1,849 square meters to cover this pan.
Types of Dam Liners Used in Water Pans
There are two ways to classify dam liners:
1. By Material
| Material | Description |
| HDPE | Hard and durable. Common in farming and urban use. |
| PVC | Soft and heavy. Easy to weld and install. |
| LDPE | Soft and light. Cheapest, but shorter lifespan. |
2. By Thickness
| Thickness | Best For | Lifespan |
| 0.5mm | Smooth soil areas | Up to 15 years |
| 0.75mm | Lightly rocky areas | Up to 25 years |
| 1.0mm | Rocky surfaces | Up to 35 years |
| 1.5mm | Very rough and stony surfaces | Over 35 years |
Best Practices for Installing Water Pans
- Site Selection – Choose a flat or gently sloping area.
- Excavation – Use machines or manual labor to dig the pan.
- Clear and Smooth – Remove sharp objects before lining.
- Install Dam Liner – Spread the liner neatly across the pan.
- Anchor the Edges – Use soil or stones to hold the liner in place.
- Cover with Shade Net (optional) – To reduce evaporation.
How to Maintain Your Water Pan
| Task | Frequency | Reason |
| Check for holes | Every 3 months | Prevent water loss. |
| Clean debris | Monthly | Keep water clean for plants and animals. |
| Desilt the bottom | Every 1–2 years | Prevent the water pan from filling with mud. |
Uses of Water Pans
Water Pans are very useful on farms. They can be used for:
- Crop irrigation
- Watering animals
- Home use like cleaning
- Aquaculture or fish farming
- Emergency water during fire outbreaks
Cost of Building Water Pans in Kenya
The cost depends on the size, location, and liner type. Here’s an estimated cost table:
| Pan Size (Liters) | Liner Type | Estimated Cost (KES) |
| 100,000 | 0.5mm HDPE | 70,000 – 90,000 |
| 500,000 | 0.75mm HDPE | 180,000 – 250,000 |
| 1,000,000 | 1mm HDPE | 300,000 – 450,000 |
Why Every Farmer Needs Water Pans
If you are a farmer in Kenya, having a Water Pan is one of the smartest things you can do. It protects you during the dry season and helps you grow crops when others can’t. You will have water for your plants, animals, and even household needs.
Water pans also increase your income. During dry months, crops are more expensive. This means your farm produce can earn more money.
Key Takeaways
- Water Pans help farmers store water for dry seasons.
- Lining pans with dam liners keeps the water from leaking.
- HDPE liners are the best choice for long-term use.
- You need to plan well for size, depth, and water needs.
- Water pans can be used for irrigation, livestock, fish, and home use.
FAQ About Water Pans
What is a water pan?
A water pan is a man-made hole or pond used to collect and store water for farming or home use.
Why should I use a dam liner?
A dam liner prevents water from leaking into the soil, allowing you to store water longer.
How long do dam liners last?
Depending on the type, dam liners can last between 15 and 35 years.
Can I build a water pan myself?
Yes. You can dig it manually or use machines. Just make sure the area is suitable.
Water Pans are changing farming in Kenya. With the right planning and materials, you can enjoy reliable water all year round. Invest in a water pan today and grow more, earn more, and live better.
