Any such product as insurance for drilling a new water well on own property and coming up dry?

Question

I buy a parcel of property with no water, hire a well drilling company, and after drilling, it comes up dry...no water. So, the property is worthless. Can this type of event be insured so I can recover the cost of drilling, and the cost of the parcel of land?

Answer 1

Whatever Chris. You apparently worked in an area that has plentiful groundwater resources. Ever pick up a Water Well Journal or National Drillers?

While it is true that there are many areas where potable groundwater is available, it is also true that not all places on earth have good groundwater easy to reach. Just ask the Saudis. There are some areas in my locale where obtaining water is impossible before hitting natural gas or brine. I am aware of areas underlain by crystaline rock that are notorious for dry holes.

As for insurance, i know of none. You may want to contact a lawyer for info on previous owners responsibilities.

I assume you and your well drilling contractor had some kind of understanding as to what would be your financial obligations if the well was dry. When I contract to drill a well in an area that is difficult I spell the terms right out in the contract. These areas often have cheap land prices. Usually I don't mention dry holes because I know that it won't happen. Sometimes I have dry holes without an understanding with the customer that I will get paid regardless. When that happens, I swallow it and don't charge the customer for that hole. Any additional attempts I make I expect to be paid.

Just for kicks, you may want to contact other drillers in the area and see what they have to say. Just tell them you need a well and ask them about what happens with a dry hole. I'm sure they will ask you exactly where you are located.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to hydrofrac the hole.

Best of luck to you. In the future I would suggest that water be found on any property you buy BEFORE closing.

Water wells in three states since 1974. MN MI MA

Answer 2

I have worked for a water well drilling company for 12 years and we never left someone's property because their was no water. How far are you from a neighbor? Ask the closest neighbor how deep their well is, what size their pump is, how deep the pump is set. All these factors play an important roll in how much water you will get. As far as no water down hole, thats a new one for me. The well drilling company should eat the cost if they come up with no water, unless you and them both know theres no water downhole and your just wild catting.

Answer 3

Dont give up-try a douser