Why You Should Drill (And Not Dig) Your New Water Well

Posted on: 13 April 2021

When it comes to water wells, there are multiple different types, but the most common are dug wells and drilled wells. The earliest wells ever created were all dug, some by hand, and then eventually using better equipment. But today, water well drilling can provide a much better experience even though it's possible to still dig for water the old-fashioned way. Yes, it's true that a drilled water well will cost more than a dug one, but the number of benefits you gain makes the extra cost worth it.

Drilled Water Wells Can Go Much Deeper and Give You Access to More Water

A dug water well is going to have a limit as to how far you can safely go, even if you have some heavy equipment like a backhoe. Water well drilling uses high-tech equipment to conduct rotary or percussion drilling that can go hundreds or even more than a thousand feet deeper than the average dug well. This can let you access a water table deeper down into the ground while also avoiding some of the potential contaminants that might be in the sediment closer to the top of the well.

Drilled Water Wells Have Casing All The Way Down and Are Less Likely to Be Contaminated

A dug water well is typically lined with limestone, brick, or other materials in order to keep it from collapsing in on itself. A water well drilling company is adept at installing casing all the way down the inside of the well. Not only is a drilled well with casing sturdier, but it's also less likely to become contaminated because the casing can help keep sediment (and possible bacteria) out of the water supply, all the way down to the bottom of the well.

A Drilled Water Well With Casing Will Require Less Maintenance Over Time

A drilled water well with a high-quality casing will last for many years, and you won't really have to worry too much about the erosion of the casing. Contrast that with a dug well that uses limestone or brick to protect the walls. It's possible some of these bricks could shift over time or erode, requiring you to once again go down into the well and repair whatever the problem is.

Dug water wells have been around for a long time and are less expensive than drilled wells. But a drilled well using modern materials and technology will allow you to go deeper into the ground and may also keep your family safer with better casing. Contact a local water well drilling company today for more information.

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