How to Dig a Water Well: Methods, Tips, and Essential Considerations

Digging your own water well can be a challenging job, especially when groundwater lies up to 300 feet deep.

Traditional hand-digging methods, used for thousands of years, require just basic tools and skills, making them accessible for many communities.

However, these manual techniques become nearly impossible in clay-heavy soils or where bedrock is shallow.

Alternatively, using pneumatic drills and PVC pipes, you can penetrate tough barriers and reach deep aquifers.

This method, while more efficient, demands specialized equipment and can take days or even weeks to complete.

Whether you’re planning for drinking water, irrigation, or emergencies, understanding these methods and preparing adequately is key to successfully accessing your own groundwater supply.

6 Important Things to Know About Well Water Before You Dig

Before digging a well, consider these key factors to ensure a reliable and safe water source.

1. Well Water Springs Eternal – Sort Of

Private wells provide a continuous water source, but certain conditions can cause them to fail. If you overdraw water for extended periods, your well may run dry temporarily, though seepage often restores the supply.

Excessive pumping can make water appear muddy and dark. Factors affecting well performance include:

• Decreased precipitation
• Reduced surface water reaching the well
• Infill of loose sediments
• Low aquifer recharge

Properly maintained wells typically operate efficiently for decades without significant issues.

2. You May Need to Dig Deep

Accessing aquifers often requires digging or drilling deep into the earth. Well construction falls into three categories:

• Bored or Dug Wells: Shallow wells, 10 to 30 feet deep, cased with simple tile or brick. Casing is usually discontinuous.
• Driven Wells: 30 to 50 feet deep with seamless casing. Vulnerable to surface contamination due to proximity.
• Drilled Wells: Hundreds or thousands of feet deep with continuous casing. Least likely to be contaminated because water sources are far from surface pollutants.

Choosing the right type depends on local geology and water availability.

3. But It May Not Always Be Feasible

The feasibility of digging a well depends on the water table and local conditions. Challenges include:

• Depth Issues: Shallow wells risk contamination; deep wells may be cost-prohibitive or yield insufficient water.
• Water Quality: Deep aquifers might contain high salt levels, making water unsuitable for drinking.
• Arid Regions: In extremely dry areas, water may be scarce or nonexistent.
• Contamination Risks: Shallow wells near industrial or agricultural sites may be contaminated with chemicals, nitrates, or other pollutants.

Monitoring water quality is essential to ensure safety and usability.

4. Well Water Tastes Quite Good

Well water often tastes better than municipal water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals. Benefits include:

• Natural Taste: Lack of chlorine and presence of minerals enhance flavor.
• Nutrient Content: High nutrient levels can be healthy for consumption.

However, mineral content varies by location. Conduct a lab analysis to understand your water’s specific composition. High mineral content may cause deposits on glassware, requiring careful cleaning to prevent damage.

5. You Should Perform Yearly Testing

Ensuring well water safety involves regular testing. Since EPA regulations do not apply to private wells, you must monitor your water quality by:

• Annual Testing: Check for lead, bacteria, pesticides, nitrates, and other contaminants.
• Comprehensive Analysis: Initial thorough testing during well installation, followed by yearly checks.

Common Contaminants to Test:

• Basic water potability
• Coliform bacteria
• Nitrates
• Ions
• Sulfate
• Fluoride
• Total dissolved solids

If contamination is detected, refrain from using the water and consult your local health department for remediation steps.

6. You Might Save Money

Well water can offer significant cost savings compared to municipal water. Consider the following expenses:

If you already have a well, you can eliminate installation costs. A well-maintained pressure tank can last 25 years or more.

Although major repairs may incur high costs, the long-term savings typically outweigh municipal water expenses, especially in areas with high water bills.

Tips for Ensuring Safe Drinking Water from Your Well

Maintaining safe drinking water from your well requires consistent care and monitoring. Follow these tips to ensure your water remains clean and reliable.

Regular Water Testing

Conduct water tests at least once a year or more if you suspect issues. Basic tests for lead, bacteria, and pesticides cost around $25 on Amazon. For comprehensive results, invest several hundred dollars in thorough testing when drilling the well. Key contaminants to test include:

• Coliform bacteria
• Nitrates
• Ions
• Sulfate
• Fluoride
• Total dissolved solids

If your water is contaminated, avoid drinking it and contact your local health department for guidance.

Maintain the Well

Clean your well regularly to prevent mineral deposits from accumulating. High mineral content can leave residues on glassware for years.

Use a soft sponge without abrasive chemicals to avoid scratching dishware. Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and cleanliness of your well system.

Proper Well Construction

Choose the right type of well based on local geology and water availability. Options include bored, driven, and drilled wells.

Proper construction prevents contamination and ensures a stable water supply. Invest in professional drilling services to guarantee the well meets safety standards.

Monitor for Changes

Stay alert to any changes in your water quality or well performance. Noticeable shifts may indicate contamination or system issues.

Regularly inspect the well structure and water flow to detect problems early. Prompt action can prevent larger water safety concerns.

Protect the Surrounding Area

Keep the area around your well clean and free from potential contaminants. Avoid using pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals near the well site. Implement barriers to prevent surface runoff from entering the well. Protecting the surroundings minimizes the risk of water contamination.

Install a Filtration System

Enhance water safety by installing a filtration system. Choose filters that target specific contaminants found in your water tests.

Proper filtration removes harmful substances, ensuring safe and clean drinking water. Regularly maintain and replace filters to maintain system effectiveness.