Understanding the fundamentals of a water well system is essential if you own or are deciding whether you want to construct a well on your property. Learning the basics will help you understand the process when you speak with a water well professional. Proper water well construction and maintenance will keep your water supply safe and clean. The flow rate, depth, and quality of water will differ depending on the location, construction, and condition of the well. 

The experts at Werner Well & Pump Service LLC are dedicated to providing superior water well service in the greater western Litchfield county area. Below, they offer a short introduction on water wells.

A Guide to Water Well Basics: Types of Wells

Drilled Well

A drilled well is created by boring a hole into the ground, which can be as shallow as 100 feet or reach a depth of more than 1,000 feet and the hole may be partially lined with casing to prevent the borehole walls from collapsing. It’s important that the casing and pipe materials used to construct the well meet the required specifications to avoid damage and prevent surface water from entering the well.  A water pump is then installed in the well to push the water to the surface.  These are the most common type of well constructed in our area.

Hand Dug Wells

Wells dug by hand and manual labor date back thousands of years. Using a simple tool, like a shovel or pick, wells were excavated below the water table. The well is lined with bricks or stones to prevent it from collapsing. Hand dug wells are shallow, there’s a greater risk of contamination, and the well can run dry during a drought when the water table is lowered, which is why they are no longer considered a desirable way of getting water.

Driven Wells

Driven wells are easier to construct and are assembled by driving small diameter steel pipe into soft ground, usually consisting of sand or gravel and therefore, not usually constructed in this area.  A screen is attached to the bottom of the pipe and filters the gravel and particles. Because driven wells can only tap shallow water, there is a greater risk of water contamination.

If you’re considering whether to construct a water well on your property, or if you would like maintenance of your existing well, contact family-owned and operated Werner Well & Pump Service LLC in New Milford, CT. They handle well and pump installation, inspections, water treatment, water tank installation, and more. Call (860) 354-0290 to speak with them, or visit the website for more details about all of their local water well services.