From wells to well-being

Access to safe drinking water remains a persistent global challenge. This short communication presents a historical analysis of safe water well practices in China, spanning from the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD) to the modern era. By examining visual documentation, including the painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival and records from the 1930s ‘Dingxian Model’ public health intervention, we identify a recurring, effective feature: the construction of raised well edges to prevent surface contamination. This case study demonstrates that historical practices can offer valuable, low-cost insights for sustainable water management and safety, highlighting the importance of learning from past socio-technical adaptations to address contemporary water security issues.