Privately owned wells provide homeowners with a steady source of clean water for bathing, washing, and irrigation. However, many people wonder whether well drilling should be done at shallow or deep depths since the prices can vary significantly. Explore the different varieties of well depths below to decide what might be best for your home and family. 

Shallow Water Wells 

The first thing to understand about well depths is that the terms shallow and deep are relative based on where you live and where the water table lies. On average, though, wells are considered shallow if they’re between 10 and 30 feet deep. 

Because they require less time to drill, shallow wells tend to be less expensive. However, this cheaper well drilling price comes with a few risks. The closer well water and aquifiers are to ground level, the more likely the well is to struggle with contamination from groundwater, flooding, and even pest infestations. 

Shallow wells also don’t contain submersible pumps. Instead, the pump is placed within the well casing, which can make it more difficult to access if the pump develops issues. 

Deep Water Wells

On the other hand, driven or drilled wells can be hundreds of feet deep, reaching far into the earth to gain access to ample amounts of water sitting in underground aquifers. These deeper wells can take much longer to drill and require specialized equipment, which is why the cost is often greater. 

However, deep wells provide more protection against many contaminants since it takes longer for substances that may broach the well casing to enter the water supply. Also, the water supply can dilute many substances. 

These wells typically have a submersible water pump, which may need to be raised during normal inspections and maintenance. The pump is generally more easily accessed than those inside shallow well casings.

If you’re interested in having a water well on your property, turn to the team at Gainous Well Drilling in Cairo, GA. With more than 50 years of combined experience, these water well drilling professionals understand how to create functional, safe wells that fit your home’s budget. Learn more about their services by visiting their website or by giving them a call at (229) 377-7883.