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Other contributors have given the advantages of open wells , see above. Indeed, the dug well is a good option for very small communities, hamlets and families. The biggest disadvantage of open wells is the risk for contamination of the water body, down in the well. We know that most contamination of the collected drinking water takes place during transport back home and at home. Nevertheless we need to create conditions to reduce the contamination risks at source. And there good solutions available to reduce these risks: lining of the well, sealing of the upper part of the lining, concrete, water tight concrete platform/apron, drainage, head wall, tight cover, fixed rope and bucket, stand for rope and bucket, and improved water lifting devices: wind lass, bucket pump, rope pump ….. However, probably the most important element for success is the attitude and behaviour towards water quality of the drawers of water, the family and the community at large. A participatory sanitary survey may help here. All these issues are described by WEDC, WHO, UNICEF, IRC etc. A contribution to that is the IRC publication of 1988 (!) Community Self-Improvement (see https://www.washdoc.info/docsearch/title/109585)