Skillful Living

Introduction

Water is a basic need for human survival. It is important to have access to clean and reliable water sources for homesteads, farms, and off-grid living. Water wells are a great option for providing clean and reliable water. In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know about water wells for homesteads, farms, and off-grid living, including how to determine where to dig a well, who to contract, water testing, maintenance, filtration, and more.

Where to Dig a Well

Determining the location of a well is an important step in the process of installing a well for your homestead, farm, or off-grid living. The location of the well can affect the quality and quantity of water that can be extracted. Here are some factors to consider when deciding where to dig a well:

Geology

The geology of the area can have a significant impact on the location of the well. Different types of rocks and soil can affect the water table and the ability to extract water. For example, porous rocks such as sandstone or limestone can hold more water than non-porous rocks such as granite or shale. This can also have an affect on the ease or difficulty of drilling a well and associated costs.

Topography

When determining the location of a well, it is important to consider the topography of the area and how it can affect the availability and quality of groundwater. A well located in a low-lying area may have a higher water table, but may also be more susceptible to contamination from surface water runoff. A well located in a high-elevation area may have deeper groundwater, but may also require more energy to pump water to the surface. A hydrologist or well contractor can provide guidance on the best location for a well based on the topography of the area. Ideally, the well should be located in a high point of the property to allow for gravity flow of water. The location should also be away from potential sources of contamination such as septic systems, animal pens, or chemical storage areas.

Hydrogeology

Hydrogeology is the study of groundwater in the earth’s system, including the movement, distribution, and quality of water. In the context of well drilling, hydrogeology is important for understanding the location and characteristics of groundwater, and for managing water resources over time. Hydrologists use a range of tools and techniques to study the hydrology of an area, and can provide guidance on the best location and depth for a well based on their findings.

Legal Requirements

It is important to check the local regulations regarding the installation of a well. Some areas may require a permit, and there may be restrictions on the location of the well, such as, limits on the amount of water that can be extracted per day or per year. Also, water quality regulations from your local government may specify allowable levels of contaminants or require periodic testing to ensure that the water is safe for human consumption.

Distance from pollution sources

Contaminants can come from a variety of sources, including agricultural and industrial activities, septic tanks, landfills, and chemical storage areas. These, and other sources of pollution, can contaminate the water in your well and make it unsafe for ingestion. So, it is extremely important to ensure that the well is located far away from sources of pollution. 

The distance required between a well and potential sources of pollution will depend on several factors, including the type of contaminant, the location of the potential source, and the hydrogeology of the area. In general, it is recommended that wells be located at least 50 feet away from potential sources of contamination, although this distance may need to be greater depending on the specific circumstances. For example, in areas with high groundwater flow or porous soils, it may be necessary to locate your well further away from potential sources of contamination to ensure the safety of your water supply.

If contamination is detected, it may be necessary to take steps to remediate the problem, such as installing treatment systems or sealing the well to prevent further contamination. In some cases, it may be necessary to abandon the well and drill a new well in a safer location.

Accessibility

The well must be easily accessible to ensure that it can be properly maintained and serviced. A location that is too remote or heavily wooded, or has limited road access and is difficult to navigate, can result in additional expenses and inconvenience for the delivery of equipment and supplies needed for well construction, maintenance or repair.

It is also important to consider the size and location of the wellhead. The wellhead is the visible part of the well that is above ground, and should be located in a spot that is easy to reach and that provides plenty of room for equipment and personnel.

Well Depth

The depth of a water well is an important consideration and will depend on several factors, including the local hydrogeology, the depth of the water table, and the intended use of the well.

The water table is the level water is found in the ground, and it can vary depending on the location and time of year. Wells are typically drilled below the water table to ensure a reliable supply of water. In general, deeper wells tend to be more reliable sources of water, since they are less likely to be impacted by drought or seasonal changes.

The depth of a well will also depend on the intended use of the water. Wells used for residential or agricultural purposes may be shallower than those used for industrial or municipal purposes, as the water demand is generally lower. Shallow wells may also be more cost-effective to drill and maintain, as they require less drilling depth and equipment.

In addition to the depth of the well itself, the depth of the borehole and the casing must also be considered. The borehole is the hole that is drilled into the ground to reach the water table. The casing is a protective lining that is installed around the borehole to prevent contamination of the water supply. The depth of the casing will depend on the depth of the borehole and the local hydrogeology.

Soil Type

Soil type is an important factor to consider when determining the location of a water well. The type of soil in the area can affect the permeability and storage capacity of the groundwater, as well as the ease of drilling and well construction.

Soils are typically classified based on their texture, which refers to the size of the individual soil particles. The three primary soil textures are sand, silt, and clay. Soils may also contain varying amounts of organic matter and minerals.

Sand is the largest soil particle size and is generally highly permeable, allowing water to flow through easily. Silt particles are smaller than sand particles and have less permeability, while clay particles are the smallest and have the least permeability. Soils that are composed primarily of sand are generally considered to be the most favorable for well construction, because they allow for easy drilling and water flow.

Additionally, the soil type can also affect the storage capacity of groundwater. Soils that are composed primarily of sand are generally able to store less water than soils with higher clay content, because water is able to flow through the soil more easily. Soils with higher clay content may be able to store more water, but may also be more prone to clogging and reduced permeability.

Aquifer

The aquifer is the layer of soil or rock that holds water underground. The formation of an aquifer requires a layer of porous material, such as sand or gravel, that can hold water, and a layer of impermeable material, such as clay or bedrock, that prevents the water from flowing out of the aquifer. It is important to know the location of the aquifer and the depth at which it can be found to determine the best location for the well.

Some aquifers may be located near the surface, while others may be located deep underground. The depth of an aquifer can impact the cost and feasibility of drilling a well, because deeper wells require more specialized equipment and expertise.

The recharge rate of an aquifer is another important factor when selecting a site for a well. The recharge rate refers to the rate at which water enters the aquifer, and it can be influenced by factors such as rainfall, snowmelt, and surface water infiltration. If the recharge rate is low, the aquifer may be more susceptible to depletion or contamination and may not necessarily be worth developing in that location.

Who to Contract

Digging a well is not a job for amateurs. It is important to hire a professional well drilling contractor to ensure that the well is dug properly and safely. Here are some tips for hiring a well drilling contractor:

a. Experience: Look for a contractor who has experience drilling wells. Experienced contractors are more likely to have the knowledge and expertise to dig a well properly.

b. Licensing and Insurance: Check that the contractor is licensed and insured. This will protect you from liability if any accidents occur during the drilling process.

c. References: Ask for references from the contractor and check them. This will give you an idea of the contractor’s reputation and the quality of their work.

d. Contract: Ensure that you have a written contract with the contractor. The contract should include the scope of work, payment terms, and warranty.

Maintenance

Maintaining a well is important to ensure that it continues to produce clean and safe water. Here are some maintenance tips for wells:

a. Regular inspection: Inspect the well regularly to ensure that it is in good condition. Look for signs of damage such as cracks, corrosion, and leaks.

b. Keep the area around the well clean to prevent contamination.

c. Test the water regularly: Test the water regularly to ensure that it is safe for consumption. The frequency of testing depends on the quality of the water and the usage of the well. A general rule of thumb is to test the water at least once a year. More on this in the next section.

d. Protect the wellhead: Protect the wellhead from damage and exposure to the elements. Install a well cap or seal to prevent debris, small animals and insects from entering the well.

e. Maintain the pump: Maintain the pump to ensure that it is working properly. This includes checking the pressure, replacing worn parts, and lubricating moving parts.

Water Testing

Once a well is constructed, it is important to periodically monitor the water level and quality to ensure that the well is functioning properly and that the water supply remains safe for consumption. Regular maintenance and testing can help prevent issues with well performance and ensure that the water supply is free from contamination. Here are some steps to take when testing well water:

a. Collect a sample: Collect a water sample in a sterile container from the well. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by the laboratory to ensure accurate results.

b. Choose a laboratory: Choose a laboratory that is certified by the state or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to perform water testing. Some colleges and universities also offer this service.

c. Testing parameters: Water should be tested for parameters such as pH, hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS), bacteria, and nitrates. The laboratory will provide a report that shows the results of the testing.

d. Treatment: If the water contains contaminants, treatment may be necessary. Treatment options include disinfection, filtration, and chemical.

Treatment

Disinfection is the process of eliminating or reducing harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Chlorination is the most commonly used disinfection method for wells. It is added to the water in a specific amount to achieve a desired residual concentration in the water. This residual concentration will protect against bacteria and viruses in the water during transportation and storage.

Filtration is a process of removing suspended particles and contaminants from the water. Different types of filters are available for different contaminants. For example, sediment filters can remove sand and other suspended particles, while activated carbon filters can remove organic compounds such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and pesticides. Filters should be monitored or checked during routine maintenance and replaced as needed. We’ll discuss this topic in greater detail below.

Chemical treatment can be used to remove certain types of contaminants, such as iron and manganese. A chemical called potassium permanganate can be added to the water, which reacts with the iron and manganese to form particles that can be filtered out of the water. Similarly, aeration can be used to remove dissolved gases such as hydrogen sulfide.

It is important to have the water from the well tested periodically to determine which treatment options are necessary. Water testing can identify which contaminants are present in the water, and at what concentrations. This will help you choose the most appropriate treatment method for correction.

Filtration

Even with proper maintenance and testing, well water may still contain contaminants that need to be removed. Filtration is the process of removing contaminants from water. Here are some filtration options for wells:

a. Sediment filter: Sediment filters remove particles such as sand, silt, and rust from the water. These filters are usually placed before the main filtration system to prevent clogging.

b. Activated carbon filter: Activated carbon filters remove chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other chemicals from the water. These filters are often used in conjunction with other filters.

c. Reverse osmosis filter: Reverse osmosis filters use a membrane to remove impurities from the water. These filters are effective at removing minerals, bacteria, and viruses.

d. Ultraviolet sterilization: Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization uses UV light to kill bacteria and viruses in the water. This is often used in conjunction with other filtration methods.

Conclusion

Having access to clean and safe drinking water is the life blood of homesteads, farms, and off-grid living situations. Digging a well is a common method for obtaining water in these situations. And, careful consideration should be given to hydrology, topography, soil type, well depth, distance from pollution sources, and accessibility when determining the location of the well.

Once the well is established, water testing should be conducted to ensure that the water is safe for consumption. Treatment methods such as disinfection, filtration or chemical can be very effective in removing contaminants from the water and should be monitored for continued need and success. Maintaining strict adherence to a water and well testing and maintenance schedule will help ensure your well remains safe for continued consumption or will quickly assist in identifying issues that may need your attention.

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