Water wells are a great addition to your property both in décor and utility savings, but there are a few things to know before you “start digging.” Although the most common method that people have used for millennia to dig wells is to simply… dig them, that’s easier said than done. Most of the time it has been a community effort in which all the able-bodied men in the village came together to dig.
In other words, it’s not exactly a one man job if you know what I mean. Digging your well by hand is probably the safest and cheapest way, but the time and effort required to do so can make these benefits seem almost ridiculous. Other alternatives use drills, hammers and various machines. But let’s say you’re in for some long-term fun and you want to give it a try. Its fine if you say so. In any case, now is not the time to be short on friends. Call all your friends and put a shovel in their hands!
But before you start getting your hands dirty, you’ll need to know the more technical side of digging a well. The general concept is to dig down to the nearest groundwater or aquifer. But how do we know where and IF there is groundwater? Good question. Theoretically, there is groundwater of some kind almost everywhere in the world – the problem is how deep it is! In your case, better pray to God that it is not too deep.
There are 2 broad classifications of wells:
1. Shallow or unconfined. This is most likely the first aquifer you find when digging. Although these water reserves can be reached and extracted without too much difficulty, there are several potential drawbacks. Due to its shallow depth and “unconfined” nature, there is an increased risk of contamination and/or salinity. Also, since it is the point of highest saturation, it is a considerably more unstable water source and can dry up during certain times of the year, depending on location.
2. Deep or confined. These aquifers are what you would ideally look for, although digging with a pick and shovel is pretty unrealistic. They are located between 2 impermeable layers that must be penetrated before being able to access it. Due to its depth and “confined” nature, there is considerably less risk of contamination, although it will still be “hard water” and may need to be softened before drinking.
Deciding whether to dig a confined or unconfined well is great and all, but figuring out other details like the depth of the water table at your given location, recharge area and rate, and local seasonal patterns before you can dig . it will save you a lot of time and effort as not every backyard is an ideal location for a watering hole. This is done through geophysical imaging, and you may need to call in the cavalry for this one.
Fast forward to the next step. So you’ve determined that your land is suitable for a water hole, and you’re eager to get started. You should select a site for your well that is conveniently located and accessible from places of your choice, such as your kitchen or garden. Having a storm drain of some kind nearby would be ideal for removing debris. Once you’ve chosen a good spot for your pit, you can start digging.
This step is relatively easy and consists of simply digging, digging, and more digging. The diameter can vary, but it should comfortably fit at least one excavator. The obvious safety issue is that the sides collapse on workers while they are digging. This is a very real danger and serious steps must be taken to ensure safety. Traditionally, various forms of bracing were used, such as wooden planks nailed against the walls with wooden rods spanning the diameter.
Modern techniques incorporate reinforced concrete “rings” made slightly smaller than the diameter of the well. These rings will sink with gravity as the hole gets deeper and additional rings are added until reaching the aquifer. You will need men both to dig and to remove the excavated material. It is recommended to take turns inside the hole, as this will help maintain optimum digging speed. Once the pit is dug, you can fill it in with a wall style of your choice.
And there you have it. Building a roof over it is a good idea to keep polluted rainwater out, and it should also have a good airtight lid to store it away when not in use! You don’t want anything falling into your well that shouldn’t be there. Having this lid installed over the opening that can be opened during water removal will prevent a curious child from accidentally falling out.
And if you dig deep enough, which with a pick and shovel is highly iffy, to reach a confined aquifer, you have to account for its hydraulic head. An “artesian well” is a well whose “hydraulic head” is higher than the level of the top of the aquifer. In simple terms, it is the potential pressure of the water. This means that the pressure of the water will cause the water to naturally gush out creating a “fountain” of spells. Hmm, nice for tourism but possibly impractical for a home.
