How do I put in my own water well?

Question

I live near Atlanta, GA where we are suffering a drought so bad we can't water our lawns. Water wells are easy to get permitted around here and aren't subject to restrictions. It would cost about $7,000 to have a professional put in a well. Can I put in my own and save some. How deep will I have to drive the pipe? Where can I get the equipment?

Answer 1

http://www.fdungan.com/well.htm

Answer 2

You need to know how deep the water table is where you live. Where I grew up, it was only about 20-45 feet deep. We used a well digger that you turned clockwise and it sort of screwed into the ground and would dig down about a foot. Then you had to bring it up and empty the dirt and put it down again. After digging about 8 foot you would add a new length of pipe. Once you hit wet sand, you continued down a little way and then put a "well point" on the end of the pipe (it was a pointed apparatus with a filtering screen that you drove into the ground). Then up top you fitted the pipe with either a hand pump or an electric water pump.

Answer 3

Growing up on a farm; and beyond; I've had my share of sinking wells.

The issue; as others state; goes beyond just driving a point; or using an auger on a back hoe. You might do that over every square foot of your property and NEVER hit enough water to supply your needs; even at Hard pan. I dropped one in FL after being unhappy with a contractor going way too deep and giving me bacterial iron water. I hit Limestone at 45 ft. and could drink it out of the ground; but it took prep; beyond just POKE AND HOPE.

Then you'd need to PUMP it; possibly have a storage tank; power to it; and plumbing to suit your needs.

I have no clue about GA; but you might question the proper agencies regarding "GREEN Water" ...Reclaimed water strictly for irrigation purposes, and the possibility of hooking into it.

I'd love to send my weather your way. In South central FL; we are getting more rain than Washington State ever dreamed of. On a facetious note; I like river rock yards; such as are common in NM and AZ.

Steven Wolf

ADD ON: It really confuses me why so many totally disregard the notions that "WE" are the ones responsible for altering our environment. IE: Green House.

Answer 4

well, i live just north of you in cleveland.....and i think that if you are worried about your lawn being green, and not if you have drinking water your priorities are very backwards. you can put in your own well, and it will cost you money. unless the water table sets at less than 8 feet, you will need BOO KOO dollars to dig and the permits to dig. and the equipment. SURE you can rent a rig, but you break it you buy it.... i suggest that you hand dig your well, make sure you tie a long rope to a tree nearby so you can climb up after you get so far........

Answer 5

you would need to rent a drilling rig.depending on how deep you want to go, there are several different ones. you can probably rent from some place like cat rental equipment. You need to drive down until you get a good flow of water.