3 Ways to Prepare for Water Well Drilling
Putting in a well requires some preparation, both before and on the day of drilling. The following are three steps you need to take to get ready.
1. Choosing a Location
A location must be chosen before the drilling can even be scheduled. It's best to schedule the location determination survey a few weeks in advance of when you plan to drill. This gives you time so you can make any necessary property alterations and secure the necessary permits to put in the well. A water well can't be located near anything that could lead to contamination, such as underground gas lines or your septic system. Furthermore, livestock areas, chicken pens, and areas where pesticides and other chemicals are used heavily must also be sited well away from the well location. The service will test the soil and groundwater to ensure the water isn't contaminated.
2. Determining Water Usage
Once the site is determined, you need to estimate your household water use. The reason this is done before drilling is because your usage will determine both the size of the well and type of pump that is installed once the drilling is complete. Most homes need 50 to 100 gallons of water per day per person, but this number can quickly rise if you will also use the well for irrigation or to water livestock on your property. Once the drillers know the flow you need, they can alter the size of the well. For example, if you have high water needs, they may need to drill deeper to a larger water table and put in a more powerful pump.
3. Making Room for Drilling
Your last main task is to get your property and the site ready for drilling day. The area surrounding the well site along with the drive and paths leading to the site must be completely cleared of vehicles, lawn items, and anything else you may have out. Pen up pets and livestock, and keep kids inside or well away from the work area. You may need to cut the grass or remove yard debris to make sure the drilling team can easily access the area for drilling, as well. Often, the job manager will come out a day or two before drilling to let you know exactly what you need to do to get the site ready for the work crew.
Contact a water well drilling service for more information on how to best prepare for your well drilling day.