People have been making water wells for thousands of years, and while it is still a preferred way for many homeowners to access clean, drinkable water, the well drilling process has changed dramatically. Wells used to be dug by hand, and typically only in areas where the water table was near the surface. Today, large trucks with drilling mechanisms make it possible to reach water trapped thousands of feet below the Earth’s surface.

There are different methods that can be employed to access water depending on its depth and the sediment that lies above it. Three of the more common methods include:

• Rotary Drilling: This popular and effective form of well drilling employs a sharp, rotational drill bit to grind through the earth’s crust and break up materials. A drilling fluid of either mud or air carries the cuttings back to the surface. There are several different types of rotary bits available to help cut through various sediment formations, but the Tricone™ roller bit is one of the most used.
• Percussion Drilling: Also known as cable tool drilling or spudding, this method is less costly and simpler to operate than rotary drilling, and it tends to do well in most geologic conditions. The biggest downside is that it takes a bit longer to complete. To dig the hole, it rhythmically raises and drops a bit into the formation to loosen sand or clay and cut up rock, which is mixed with water to form a slurry. These cuttings are then removed with a bailer. This process is repeated until the desired depth is reached.
• Auger Drilling: This method is typically used for soft formations such as clay and sand and is regularly combined with the other forms of well drilling. It requires spiral augers, which are turned by a hydraulically controlled rotary drive until their full length is drilled. The cuttings are spiraled up to the surface, leaving the hole in the formation; however, if it’s saturated, the hole will not remain open once the augers are removed unless casings are added to prevent collapse.

To determine which method of water well drilling is right for the formation on your property, contact Coolwater Drilling for help. They’ve provided reliable well drilling and pump installation services to Kitsap and Mason County, WA, since 1974. Speak to one of their technicians today by calling either their Bremerton location at (360) 830-9005 or their Shelton office at (360) 426-3545. You can also visit their website to learn more about their services.