What is Water Well Drilling?

Water is generally taken for granted for people living in highly developed countries. Potable water flows effortlessly from the sink, shower or to the toilet. The exception of course is people living in rural areas or in undeveloped countries where connecting to the municipal water supply is simply not an option. In this case, water well drilling is a preferable way for procuring a reliable source. So, what is water well drilling?

Water well drill

Water well drilling is an ancient practice that has developed more efficiently over the years. These days machine drills, not hands and shovels, drill into the ground to reach the water table. The drill heads are stronger than the rocks that they break through. A material called drilling mud is also used to keep the hole free of debris. A casting is inserted and a pump installed to pump the water out. However high water pressure is accomplished by installing a pressurized holding tank in addition to a pump, otherwise the water will trickle out slowly making those showers miserable.

The well location is often found by a dowser, a person who can sense if water is present on the land, and if so, where is the best place to start drilling the well. Sonar readings can also be used if a dowser is not available. When a hole is drilled, pipe is inserted to the groundwater.

Depending on the water table, a well can be fairly short or deep. The well drilling cost is generally on a per foot basis. It is common in the United States for the drilling expense to range between $15 to $35 dollars a foot. In some areas, a short distance of 25 feet is all it takes to hit water. In other areas a much deeper well, of 1,000 feet is necessary.

Each well’s water can differ greatly in mineral composition, most is potable in that is safe to drink. Other well water is hard, and although safe, is so full of minerals that people opt to purchase drinking water separately but use their well water for washing, watering plants and for other household uses. Make sure to get your water tested before drinking or using it. -BEN TERRINGTON

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