4 Things to Consider When Drilling a Water Well
When you're building a new home or adding a well to your property, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is where to put it. Your water well drilling contractor will provide guidance and locate the ideal spot, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind to ensure you have a steady supply of fresh, clean water.
How to Choose a Site for Water Well Drilling
1. Consider Elevation
Water wells should be placed at a higher elevation than any potential sources of contaminants, ensuring that harmful substances flow away from your well. This includes rainwater. Placing the water well in a low-lying spot leaves the water supply vulnerable to contamination from pesticides, herbicides, and bacteria contained in rain runoff.
2. Measure Distance From Contaminants
Local regulations stipulate the minimum distances between water wells and potential contaminants, including any septic systems, petroleum storage tanks, or livestock. Because septic systems are the leading source of contamination of water wells, your water well drilling contractor and septic contractor need to work closely to ensure the two systems are at least 50 feet apart. The well should also be placed at least 50 feet away from livestock and 100 feet away from oil and gas tanks.
3. Evaluate Site Geography
The quality and amount of water available from the well depend largely on the geological features present under the topsoil. Drilling through a zone of fractured rock, for example, will produce more water than drilling through solid bedrock. Before your water well drilling contractor begins, discuss your typical water usage habits to ensure the available water can meet the demand. The average family of four, for example, uses about 400 gallons of water per day, so the well should be placed to ensure an adequate water supply.
4. Talk With Neighbors
If other homeowners in your neighborhood have private water wells, talk with them about their experiences to get insights that may influence your well placement. For example, ask how deep they needed to dig their wells, whether they have had issues with contaminants, or if they've had other issues due to local land-use practices or geology.
For reliable water well drilling, call Affordable Pump & Well Repair in La Crosse, WI. For over 40 years, these reliable contractors have helped homeowners determine the best placement for their water wells. They also provide efficient and high-quality well drilling, repairs, and maintenance. Call (608) 788-6451 to discuss your needs with a team member, or visit their website to learn more about their services.