There are three main types of private water wells: bored, driven, and drilled. The following guide explains what homeowners need to know to determine which installation method is best suited to their needs.  

3 Types of Private Water Wells 

1. Bored Wells 

Bored wells are typically dug with a backhoe and auger and are relatively shallow—only about 10 to 30 feet deep. They have about a 3-foot diameter and are positioned above the bedrock, which means they source water from the surrounding water table. Bored wells are more common in areas with shallow or low-yielding aquifers. They’re designed with a wider diameter than driven or drilled wells because the well doubles as a reservoir when there’s a drought and the aquifer is low. 

To prevent collapse, bored wells are cased with a sturdy material, like concrete, brick, or tile. If the casing isn’t continuous, as is sometimes the case with older wells, the well may have a higher risk of collapsing. Bored wells also have a slightly higher risk of contamination compared to other drinking wells, though this largely depends on what’s in their immediate vicinity. To ensure the safety of your well, you should have the water tested every year. 

2. Driven Wells 

Driven wells can only be installed in areas with soft, sandy soil—which is why they’re sometimes also called sandy point wells. These structures are constructed using a unique pipe with a nail-like point that a technician pounds into the earth about 30 to 50 feet deep. After creating the hole, the technician installs a continuous case to protect against soil collapses and uses a water pump to draw water to the surface.  

Like bored wells, driven water wells also rely on aquifers close to the surface and can be vulnerable to contamination if there’s a septic tank or livestock nearby. Sometimes chemical spills, fertilizer, pesticides, or runoff from nearby roads can also pollute the water.  

3. Drilled Wells 

Drilled wells penetrate bedrock to reach groundwater hundreds or even thousands of feet beneath the surface. They work best in areas with deep aquifers and usually produce between a 1/2 gallon of water per minute to 100 gallons per minute. Because this type of well requires extensive drilling and surging, which is a process technicians use to remove sediment, it’s the most expensive of the three types, but it’s also the least likely to become contaminated.  

To ensure you get the best water well to suit your needs and property, work with the professionals at Rosenlund Drilling LLC. Located in Elko, NV, the Rosenlund Drilling team has over 50 years of experience and can help you enjoy the safest drinking water possible. To learn more about their services, visit their website. To schedule an on-site consultation, call (775) 753-7960 today.