Training with the Ethiopian Water Technology Institute

In 2025, a planned virtual training session with the Ethiopian Water Technology Institute Training was converted into an in-person visit, enabling a more impactful and hands-on experience. The session focused on the use of Mount Sopris Instruments groundwater logging equipment recently supplied by long-time partner Guideline Geo and distributed locally by Infinite Geosol. Originally designed as a remote session, the training was upgraded to an in-person engagement due to favorable travel logistics following a separate training in Lesotho. With direct, affordable flights between Johannesburg and Addis Ababa and a gap in the trainer’s schedule, it was determined with the client that in-person instruction would be more beneficial.

Day 1 Training:

The team arrived at the Ethiopian Water Technology Institute by midday. The Institute’s goal is to teach proper groundwater drilling, construction, and geophysical borehole logging techniques to the broader industry in Ethiopia. The organization’s relationship with Mount Sopris began more than a decade ago, when John Stowell delivered a field training after a previous equipment sale.

Equipment Inventory and Assessment

The Institute now maintains three sets of logging equipment: – New Equipment (2025): – MXC winch (1000 m, single conductor cable) – ScoutPro console – 40GRP-1000 probe – QL40-IS4 bridle – QL40-DEV-2G – QL40-CAL – GO4 probe top

• System Delivered ~11 Years Ago:
  • MXB winch (500 m, 4-conductor cable)
  • Matrix console
  • 2PGA Gamma*
  • 2PEA Electrical*
  • GO4 probe top
• Legacy System (~20–30 Years Old):
  • MGXII side by side mini-winch (300 m, 1/10 in cable)*
  • 2PGA Gamma*
  • 2PEA-F Electric and Fluid Temp/Cond tool*
  • 2CHS probe top

Evaluation revealed: – The newest system was in excellent working condition

• The 11-year-old system was fully functional, but the GO4 cablehead needed a complete rehead.
• The oldest system was determined to be largely non-operational.

Some compatibility issues were noted when testing older Poly tools with the new winch and Matrix console, likely due to: 1. the longer wireline on the MXC winch and 2. the pulses for the older Poly tools were likely adjusted for the MGX II and shorter 300 m wireline, not a Matrix console.

Distributor Meeting and Regional Collaboration

Later that day, a meeting was held with Mustapha Abdullah, the regional Guideline Geo representative who facilitated the equipment sale. The gathering coincided with Guideline Geo’s annual African and Middle Eastern distributor meeting, providing an opportunity for regional distributors to connect and discuss shared challenges and opportunities. Representatives from multiple countries were in attendance, including Per Westholm from Guideline Geo’s Colorado, USA office, as were many other African distributors we have worked with in the past. The session enabled valuable networking and strengthened relationships between partners.

Day 2 Training:

On the last day of training, the entire Water Technology Institute team was present for training that morning. This included geoscientists, drilling professionals and additional staff members with jobs related to drilling activities. A comprehensive overview of the equipment was conducted, with hands-on instruction in the Institute’s office. The training concluded with a group dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant, attended by the Guideline Geo distributor team. The session provided a strong platform for ongoing collaboration and support across the region.

Action Items and Next Steps

This onsite training highlighted the critical role of in-person engagement in supporting effective water management and geophysical data collection across Africa. Several follow-up tasks were identified: – Issue WellCAD software, Deviation module and USB key.

• Provide a quote for a new GO4 cablehead, GO4 rehead kit, and missing logging accessories.
• Continue to coordinate with our partners at Guideline Geo
• Follow up with Ethiopia Water Technology Institute to confirm continued equipment usage and address questions.
• Organize a virtual WellCAD training session once the software is in place.

By equipping teams with the tools and knowledge to properly utilize this technology, Mount Sopris Instruments continues to support Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts in groundwater development and sustainable resource management.