Water wells provide a reliable source of clean water for homeowners without them having to worry about rising utility rates. However, the quality and amount of water available in your well are largely dependent on local soil conditions. Below, learn about the relationship between your property’s soil and your well.

Soil & Water Retention

Under normal conditions, rainfall is absorbed by the soil. The soil essentially acts like a sponge and soaks up the water. This water then becomes part of the “water table.” It undergoes natural filtration as it passes through layers of soil. Wells are drilled to a depth of several hundred feet to access this clean, natural water. 

When a well is drilled, contractors will use knowledge of the local water table, soil composition, and potential waste hazards to choose a location where the water supply is unlikely to be contaminated by runoff.

Potential Issues With Soil & Well Water

All soil has a natural capacity or limit to how much water it can hold. When this capacity is exceeded, which sometimes occurs during heavy rainfall, water will not be absorbed by the soil. This will result in runoff and flooding. This runoff often collects surface-level organic and chemical waste, which can prove hazardous if it gets in the drinking supply.

While proper water well placement helps prevent soil and water contamination, homeowners must also exercise caution to avoid creating problems for their water supply. The use of fertilizer and pesticides near a well greatly increases the risk of chemical contamination. Proximity to a septic system can also create issues for the well, as an overflowing septic system would oversaturate the soil and allow harmful bacteria to enter the water supply.

No matter what type of services you need for your well, you can count on Oehler Pump & Well Service. Serving the Charlotte, NC, area since 1970, this water well contractor provides high-quality work and is available seven days a week to provide emergency support. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (704) 875-2209.