Common Types Of Water Wells
A well can provide your home or business with access to fresh, clean water. However, not all wells are the same, and knowing the difference between the three common types of wells can help you select the best one for your needs. In addition, different wells have different maintenance requirements and lifespans. The well you choose can also affect the quantity and quality of the water you’re able to draw up.
To help you select the right type of well, schedule an appointment with an experienced water well company, like North Florida Water Systems Inc, today!
Dug Wells
Dug wells are the oldest type of well and are typically excavated by shovel as deep below the water table as the digger can go. Once dug, the well’s walls are lined with stones, bricks, tiles, concrete, or steel to keep it from collapsing. Bored wells are similar to hand-dug wells but utilize a boring machine instead, allowing for a slightly deeper well. Both wells are inexpensive and low-tech, making them an easy and affordable option that requires little maintenance. They can also access water through less permeable ground layers such as fine clay, sand, and silt. However, both wells are larger in diameter and lack continuous casing, making them more susceptible to contamination. Also, because they’re both shallow, they are prone to dry up during droughts. Finally, these wells are labor-intensive and not suitable for rocky ground.
Driven Wells
A driven well, also known as a sand point well, utilizes a small pipe driven through sand or gravel down 30–50 feet into an aquifer. Driven wells are easy to install and are less costly when compared to drilled wells. The small size of the pipe also makes it easy to install just about anywhere on your property. They can also be safer to operate when compared to dug and drilled wells. However, the shallow location of the pipe means that there can be issues with drawing enough water for properties with higher water demand. The use of shallow aquifers also means that these wells are also more susceptible to groundwater contamination. Pump maintenance is needed frequently to ensure there are no issues.
Drilled Wells
Most modern wells involve well drilling, which uses percussion or rotary drilling machines to tap into aquifers from 100–800 feet below the surface. The ability to reach greater depths means that drilled wells are less likely to dry up during droughts and can last between 30–50 years, depending on the aquifer. In addition, drilled wells are less likely to become contaminated because of their depth, though we suggest that annual water testing and treatment be performed. However, because of the depth and specific machinery required, drilled wells are only suitable for particular locations on the property. The use of pumps also means that drilled wells require more maintenance and may experience more technical issues.