When you’re planning a well installation, a key consideration is where to place it. You need a location that provides clean, pure water, but doesn't present drilling difficulties. Below are some do’s and don'ts of installing a water well.

Do: 

Keep wells away from contamination sources.

Don’t drill near a septic tank or leach field. Other sources of contamination include gasoline and oil storage facilities, stockpiles of manure and fertilizer, stockyards, and barns that house livestock. Also, keep wells away from rivers or lakes that may overflow to avoid groundwater contamination.

Avoid bedrock.

Soil and gravel are relatively easy to drill through. Bedrock, on the other hand, is hard and presents numerous installation hurdles. It ruins drill bits, causes shafts to bend, and makes straight boring a challenge. It also increases costs because the drilling takes longer. It’s essential to avoid bedrock deposits when selecting a well location not only because of these drilling challenges but also because the availability of groundwater in bedrock may be lacking.

Don't:

Locate wells in a depression.

If you place a well in the lowest area of your property, the surrounding slopes will funnel rainwater into its location. Pesticides, herbicides, or other surface contaminants will make your drinking water unsafe.

Neglect local regulations and conditions.

Be sure to research well installation regulations and conditions in your area. You should be aware of how deep local wells typically are, the mineral content of the water supply, and what types of testing are required or recommended. Talk to neighbors, well drillers, and scientists at local water-testing labs.

If you’re planning a well installation project, contact Edgar & Jerry Hughes Well Drilling Enterprise in Bellwood, AL. They have more than 40 years of industry experience and serve clients in and around Geneva County. They offer a wide variety of water well services, including drilling, well repair, and sump pump installation and service.  Learn more about the company on their website, or call (334) 347-1147 to schedule a well installation.