How Deep Should My Well Be?
August 31, 2017 11:12 pm Leave your thoughtsAt Love Well & Pump Supply, LLC, we get a lot of questions about well depth. Specifically, how deep do you have to drill to install your well? And furthermore, how does well depth affect water quality? As experts in the field of water well installation in Monroe, NC, these and other questions are our bread and butter, and we’re happy to provide a little insight into the process behind choosing the right depth for your well.
You have options
Many people understandably assume that wells are always drilled to the same depth, but this is not the case. There are two common well depth classifications: “shallow well” and “deep well.” Which depth you choose depends a lot on the climate in which you live, including factors such as average rainfall and the direction that groundwater flows on your property.
In order to make the best choice for your water well installation in Monroe, NC, consider these points first:
- Each area has its own unique groundwater habits: Groundwater is not uniform from one place to the next. While it often originates with lakes or rivers, in other places, it is attained from the mountains, in conjunction with streams that are created after a good amount of rain or snow melts. These streams are known as “ephemeral streams,” since they come and then go during the year. In locales that go through extreme wet and dry periods, there can be a considerable effect on the amount of water stored in the aquifers, which are the underground areas where water gathers.
- Water flows in multiple directions: You might think that water always flows toward your well if you find the right spot, but the real reason it ends up in your well is because your pump is pulling the groundwater in, even when the natural flow goes in the opposite direction. In fact, groundwater is able to flow across land, rather than downward, from high to low elevations. The higher the permeability of your area—soil that allows more water through is more permeable—the more water will collect in your area’s aquifer. In terms of practical application, having a professional help you understand the direction in which your groundwater flows will help you know how deep to dig.
Depth is situational
As you’ve probably surmised, there is no right answer for every well across the states. Some areas require deeper wells, while others do just fine with more shallow ones. That’s why it’s important to have an expert like Love Well & Pump Supply, LLC help you learn about your options and your property. That way, you can make an informed decision about what well depth is right for you. An expert will also have complete knowledge of your area’s building codes and requirements for wells. Remember to have your property tested for potential contaminates as well, so you can avoid ingesting anything harmful through your groundwater. Give us a call today to learn more about water well installation in Monroe, NC!
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