Nearly 15 million Americans get water from personal wells. If you’re going to join those millions, you need to select your water well drilling site carefully. While convenience is top-of-mind for most homeowners, a reliable and pure water source is most important. To ensure you choose the optimal location for your water well drilling site, start with the following tips.

4 Tips For Choosing Your Water Well Drilling Site

1. Understand Local Laws Regarding Contamination

Contamination is the biggest concern for communities, and many state and county governments have laws in place to prevent well contamination. You’ll want to ensure your water well drilling site is located a safe distance from septic tanks, farms with livestock, and streams, rivers, or lakes that have flooded recently. Your local health department can provide information on potential contaminants and the minimum safe distance between contamination sources and water wells.

2. Consider the Flow of Groundwater

Groundwater, or water that sits just beneath the soil’s surface, often contains bacteria and other contaminants. If your well is downhill, the groundwater will flow into your well, contaminating your drinking water. To prevent this, water well drilling professionals recommend placing the well uphill, so groundwater flows away from it.

3. Keep Well Depth in Mind

The depth of your well is determined by the geology of your property. If you live in an area with clay or sand, you’ll have a shallower well than if you live in an area with bedrock. That’s because clay and sandy soils hold water like a sponge, making accessing the water table easier. Soil with bedrock requires drilling deeper to reach the water that comes from fissures and cracks in the rocks.

4. Hire a Professional

The above tips can give you an idea of where you’d like to drill your well, but it’s best to leave the process to the professionals. A contractor who specializes in water well drilling can analyze your property and the soil to determine the safest location for your well. Most contractors offer a wide range of water well services, from installation to maintenance and repairs, so they can handle all your needs.

For professional assistance in selecting your water well drilling site, turn to Sullivan Water Wells. Serving Chugiak, AK, for over 50 years, they can handle your well pump installation from start to finish. They also offer water well maintenance to keep things running smoothly, in addition to well pump repairs. Give them a call at (907) 688-2759 or go online to request a quote.