Beginners Guide: Water Well Basics  


Water-Well

If you are planning on having a well drilled or you are a new well owner, it is essential to know well basics.

Types of wells

• Driven wells – They are made by driving a pipe with a well point into shallow water-bearing gravel or sand.

• Dug wells – They are wells excavated by hand using a shovel to a level that is below the water table. They are usually lined with tiles, stones or bricks. They are shallow and easily get contaminated.

• Drilled wells – they are constructed using a rotary drilling machine. They are usually more than 100 feet deep.

Well contamination

It is easy to contaminate a well especially if it was not well constructed. Contaminants can easily slip into the well if toxic materials are dumped close to the well and leach into the aquifer contaminating the groundwater. Consumption of water from a contaminated well can be dangerous. It is essential to have your well tested on a regular basis for pathogens, contaminants and other chemicals.

Potential sources of contamination include;

• Microorganisms such as bacteria, parasites, and viruses

• Nitrate and nitrite present in human waste and chemical fertilizers

• Heavy metals

• Fluoride

• Radionuclides

Protecting your well from contamination

Proper well maintenance which includes an inspection every ten years is important. You should also install a well cap to prevent hazardous materials from falling into the well. Use caution around the well and do not put any dangerous substances close to it.

If you are planning to own a well in the future, talk to the experts at W.P. Law Incorporated.

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