How are drilled wells different from regular Wells?

These wells draw water from aquifers near the surface. Drilled wells are constructed by percussion or rotary-drilling machines. Drilled wells can be thousands of feet deep and require the installation of casing. Drilled wells have a lower risk of contamination due to their depth and use of continuous casing.

How are driven wells used for drinking water?

Driven wells are constructed by driving pipe into the ground. Driven wells are cased continuously and shallow (approximately 30 to 50 feet deep). Though driven wells are cased, they can be contaminated easily because they draw water from aquifers near the surface.

How big does a private water well have to be?

Drilled wells can be thousands of feet deep and require the installation of casing. Drilled wells have a lower risk of contamination due to their depth and use of continuous casing. 1. Well descriptions adapted from the U.S. Geologic Survey, Groundwater Wells (2016) Below are descriptions of the basic components found in a private water well.

Where can I find information on water well construction?

Your state water-well contractor licensing agency, your local health department, or a local water system professional can provide information on proper well construction. The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) provides a guide for hiring a water system professional Exit that covers key considerations.

What are the features of a dug well?

Dug wells are holes in the ground dug by shovel or backhoe. Historically, a dug well was excavated below the groundwater table until incoming water exceeded the digger’s bailing rate. The well was then lined (cased) with stones, brick, tile, or other material to prevent collapse. It was covered with a cap of wood, stone, or concrete.

Is there such a thing as a large diameter well?

Extremely large diameter excavations serving a dual cistern-well function do exist (Figure 43). Some have stairs built into the sides allowing people to descend to the water level to dip out water. The stairs are normally used mostly during construction and maintenance, however.

Why are hand dug wells the cheapest way to dig a well?

Hand Dug Wells and Other Manual Methods to Dig a Well Have Been in Existence for Thousands of Years. Where labor costs are low, this is usually the least costly method of well construction. In an aquifer with low permeability, a large diameter hand dug wells may produce more water than a borehole in the same aquifer.

How are dug and bored wells able to get water?

Dug and bored wells have a large diameter and expose a large area to the aquifer. These wells are able to obtain water from less-permeable materials such as very fine sand, silt, or clay.