How do wells work

A pipe and a pump are used to pull water out of the ground, and a screen filters out unwanted particles that could clog the pipe. Wells come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the type of material the well is drilled into and how much water is being pumped out.

More than 42 million people in the United States use individual or private wells to supply water for their families. Bored or shallow wells are usually bored into an unconfined water source, generally found at depths of feet or less. Consolidated or rock wells are drilled into a formation consisting entirely of a natural rock formation that contains no soil and does not collapse.

Their average depth is about feet. Unconsolidated or sand wells are drilled into a formation consisting of soil, sand, gravel or clay material that collapses upon itself.

All private well construction is based on establishing the right location for the well, sizing the system correctly and choosing the proper construction techniques. Only professional water well contractors should install wells. If this water pools near your well, it can seep into it and potentially cause health problems. Appropriate well construction depends on local geologic and groundwater conditions. Your state water-well contractor licensing agency, your local health department, or a local water system professional can provide information on proper well construction.

Make sure any water-well drillers and pump-well installers you work with are bonded and insured. If required in your state, make sure your ground water contractor is licensed and certified. Visit the National Ground Water Association to find certified water well contractors near you.

For example, a water softener will help filter out excess minerals which can make your hair limp, skin itchy and cleaning difficult. A filtration system will tackle elements like chlorine, iron, manganese, and more, which will eliminate unwanted tastes and stains. And, you could consider a reverse osmosis system to eliminate harmful contaminants in your drinking water.

With water testing, an accurate diagnosis and recommendation, you can overcome even the most challenging well water. Back to Resources. Call Me Email Me. Become a Dealer Careers Newsroom. All rights reserved. Loading Comments Email Required Name Required Website. Eventually the water reaches the saturated zone. In the saturated zone all the void spaces are completely filled with water; the water in the saturated zone is what we call groundwater.