The Difference Between Dug, Driven, and Drilled Wells.

 

If you have a private water well for drinking water, then it falls into one of these three types: dug, driven, or drilled. Take a look at what the difference between these wells are, and some key things you should know about them.

 


Dug Wells

Dug wells are dug by shovel or backhoe before being lined with a casing to prevent the well from collapsing. This casing is typically made of stone, brick, or tile, but other materials can be used. These wells have a much wider diameter than the other two and are relatively shallow in comparison, stopping around 30 feet deep. These are what you likely imagine an old well looks like, with a bucket and rope or chain used to draw water. These wells work by digging below the water table so that the well is filled to the same level as the water table. Dig deeper and the well will completely fill or even overflow.

Driven Wells

Driven wells are created by driving pipe into the ground, ending around 50 feet deep. These wells are cased continually by the pipe for the entire depth of the well. Driven wells drive the pipe into what is known as the aquifer, where water seeps up through permeable rock or other material. The issue with driven wells is that the aquifer is close to the surface, allowing for possible surface contaminants to seep into the water.  Driven wells are often topped with a hand pump and used as a temporary source of water until a more sustainable well is constructed.

Drilled Wells

Drilled wells are the deepest of the three wells. They are made with percussion or rotary-drilling machines that can go more than 1000 feet deep if necessary. Drilled wells also have continuous casing to prevent collapse. The benefit from a lower chance of water contamination from its incredible depth and continuous casing. If you currently have a water well for your home or business, it is likely a drilled well.

Here at Amber Water Pros, we specialize in drilled wells. But if you need a water pump or water treatment unit installed, we can do the work regardless of your water source. Find out more information at AmberWaterPros.com.

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