Imagine turning on your tap and knowing the water flowing out is as fresh as a natural spring, free from chemicals and monthly utility bills. For many, a private water well represents the ultimate dream of self-sufficiency. However, that dream can quickly turn into a costly nightmare if you don’t consider important factors before you drill.
The complexity of securing reliable groundwater has never been higher, with drilling costs in many regions rising due to inflation and new environmental protections. From navigating strict local permit hikes to accurately predicting the geology of your backyard, the success of your project depends on what you do before the well drilling. Here, we will explain important factors to consider before drilling a well.
Understanding the Basics of Well Drilling
Well drilling creates a borehole to access groundwater. It usually involves site assessment, drilling, and installing a protective casing to prevent collapse and contamination. The setting up of a pump system with grouting and well development ensures water quality and flow.
People drill wells in homes primarily for a self-sufficient, reliable, and often healthier water source. It provides independence, better taste, and save from water bills. Water wells offer fresher, mineral-rich water without added chemicals like chlorine, often preferred by health-conscious individuals or those with chemical sensitivities.
Site Evaluation and Permits
Site Selection: Choose a location with good accessibility for equipment, away from potential contaminants, and ideally with existing good geological indicators for water.
Soil Assessment: Understand soil type, clay, sand, or rock formations, as this affects drilling difficulty and cost.
Water Table: Research local water table depth and aquifer capacity to ensure a sufficient, sustainable supply.
Permits & Regulations: Obtain necessary permits and understand local rules for depth, location, and water usage.
Choosing the Right Type of Well
There are three types of wells:
- Dug Wells
These are excavated by hand or backhoe. These are lined with bricks, stone, or tile. These wells are shallow, with depths of 10-30 ft. These have a higher risk of contamination due to less casing.
- Driven Wells
These are excavated with a small-diameter pipe with a screened point into sand. The depth of these wells is up to 50 ft. These are considered an economical option, easy to install, but can also get contaminated easily.
- Drilled Wells
These wells are drilled using percussion or rotary drilling machines. It can be 1000+ feet deep. It requires proper casing and grout. It has a lower risk of contamination due to depth and casing.
Well Drilling
Drilling the Borehole: A rig uses a rotating bit to grind through soil and rock.
Cuttings & Slurry: Muddy soil is brought to the surface, creating a messy slurry that’s deposited nearby.
Casing Installation: Steel or PVC pipe (casing) is inserted into the hole to prevent collapse and keep out contaminants, often driven into bedrock.
Grouting: Bentonite clay or grout seals the space between the casing and the earth, forming a protective barrier against surface water.
Screen Placement: A screen is attached to the bottom of the casing to filter sand and debris while letting water in.
Cost Considerations
The following factors can influence the cost of well drilling process.
- Depth and diameter of well.
- Location and condition of soil.
- Casing used in a well.
- Pump and system used.
- Permits and regulation fees.