How Is a Water Well Drilled?

Location

Before drilling a well, the homeowner must be sure water will be available at a reasonable depth for drilling. Investigate the area surrounding the planned well site, searching for plants that require a great deal of water, such as willow trees. These types of plants indicate that water is available in abundance at a medium depth in the ground. Nearby seeps or swamps are other indicators that water is available in abundance underground.

Even on private property, most states in the U.S. require the homeowner to have a permit before drilling a well. You can get these permits through state offices such as the state engineer or public works. Licensed well diggers often have the necessary paper work for residential well drilling permits.

Proper safety is essential in drilling a water well. Make sure all workers have proper safety equipment including hard hats, gloves, masks and safety glasses. Another essential piece of equipment for the well driller is ear protection. Since a high powered mechanical drill is necessary to drill through both dirt and rock to get to the ground water, the noise often goes beyond the safe decibel range for humans. Supervisors and monitors are also necessary to ensure accidents and oversights are spotted immediately before they become a hazard.

Water well drilling is a process of drilling down until the hole created reaches deep past the surface of the water source. Cable drills, rotary drills and reverse rotary drills are among the tool drillers use in the construction of wells and rotary drills require a mud pit and flowing water source to maintain the integrity of the drill bit. After they drill the hole, drillers support the well with well casing made of steel or plastic and a gravel pack or other well screen that keeps out unwanted dirt and dust.