There are several steps to water well drilling, including some things you can do to help your contractors. By going through a step-by-step process, you can ensure the drilling goes more smoothly and isn’t delayed by avoidable issues. This guide explores some of the steps that you and your contractor can take to ensure the creation of your water well is completed as efficiently as possible.

4 Water Well Drilling Steps to Follow

1. Determine How Deep to Drill

Before water well drilling begins, your contractor will have to determine how deep you’ll have to go to reach a good supply of groundwater. This is different for each piece of property, because some water tables are closer to the surface than others. In general, drilling will have to go at least 30 feet deep, and possibly 200 to 400 feet, but your contractor may have to go even deeper.

2. Determine Whether to Drill or Drive

Another decision your well drilling contractor will have to make is whether to drill or drive the well. This will depend on how deep the water supply is, which is one reason testing for water is a necessary first step. If the water supply is below the bedrock, which is a solid rock layer buried beneath several layers of soil, drilling will be necessary. However, if the water supply is above the layer of bedrock, the well can be driven.

3. Prepare for Debris Disposal 

The drilling or driving of the well will require your land to be cleared and the earth to be removed in that area. This means you’ll need some place to put the debris. Vegetation can be replanted or turned into mulch, but you’ll also need some place to put soil, rock, and other debris. The best solution may be to rent a dumpster and have the debris transported to a landfill.

4. Clear the Area

You’ll want the construction of your well to go smoothly so you have well water service as soon as possible. You can help this process along by clearing the area. This means clearing the topsoil of vegetation and other debris before the contractor shows up to begin work. You should also ensure the area is easily accessible, since your contractor will need to bring in large machines and equipment to help them create your well.

When you need water well drilling, you’ll want to ensure that the contractor you hire has the experience to help you drill a well that will provide you with potable water for years to come. Backed by over 38 years of experience, Fogle Pump & Supply, Inc. provides well drilling, water treatment, and similar services to the Spokane, Deer Park, Colville and Republic, WA, area. They also offer a free onsite estimate, which you can request online, or by calling (888) 343-9355.