Having a water well on your property comes with many benefits, including access to clean drinking water that can be healthier and less expensive than what you get from municipal lines. However, constructing a water well can seem complicated. You’ll need to have well drilling completed, a process requiring the use of heavy machinery to dig many feet into the earth to tap underground aquifers. To help you get started, here are a few early steps in the process of adding a well to your property.

What to Do Prior to Well Drilling

1. Find an Ideal Location

Not all land has aquifers, layers of porous rock or loose debris from which water can be extracted. Consult with a professional to know which areas are ideal for well drilling, which can be determined by factoring in geologic surveys, aquifer maps, and topographical records. A professional can also check for potential contaminants, including waste disposal systems, landfills, buried fuel tanks, and underground utilities that might be in the way during excavation.

2. Obtain Permits

Well drilling is a significant undertaking that can be disruptive to both you and your neighbors, depending on where your property is located. Before starting the project, secure permits from municipal and state authorities to avoid legal troubles. Your well-drilling contractor will help you complete the necessary paperwork required to obtain the permits.

3. Clear the Site

Once you have the permits, the drilling site has to be cleared of any vegetation or debris to start the excavation process. This includes leveling the land for easier maneuvering of heavy-duty machinery like drilling rigs.

4. Determine Access Routes and Waste Disposal

Since drilling rigs and excavation equipment take up a considerable amount of space, they need to have access roads that allow contractors to reach the site. Have a path set aside for them to facilitate easy access and unrestricted movement in and out of the site, and designate a disposal area or reserve pit for the excess debris and rock dug up during the process.

If you want to add a well to your property, turn to the water well drilling professionals at Holler Drilling & Plumbing. They’ve been serving the community of La Crosse, WI, since 1952 and offer quality well maintenance services, installations, and plumbing repairs. These experts have the experience and expertise to ensure your new well meets your water supply needs. Call (608) 781-2342 to request an estimate, or send them a message via their website.