- Where should I put my well?
There are 3 important considerations for locating where your home water well will be drilled. It needs to be:
- Away from sources of contamination
- Convenient to power supply and pipe installation
- Accessible for drilling rig and pump-installing equipment
If possible, always locate the well at a higher elevation than any waste water septic system or drainage system. State laws also specify minimum acceptable distances between wells and other structures. Old and abandoned wells should be filled and sealed by a licensed well driller to avoid contamination of the new well.
- How much water do I need?
On a residential water well for a single family home the yield can be as low 1 GPM (gallons per minute) that works out to be about 1400 gallons of water in a 24 hour period. If you have extensive landscaping, the yield needs to increase significantly up to 10 – 15 GPM. Ultimately the end use of the water will dictate your GPM needs.
- How do I know if my property is a good site to find water and if it’s good quality?
There are many factors that contribute to the existence of groundwater; the biggest is geologic formations. Without the right geologic conditions groundwater will not occur. A field representative needs to have a clear understanding of the regional geology to provide the best possible chance to find groundwater.
A licensed driller will have access to the TDLR water well database. This database will help you understand the depths, locations, and water quality of water wells near your property.
- How much space does the well need?
You need to provide a minimum setback of 50 ft from property lines, septic tanks and septic absorption fields. A minimum setback of 100 ft is required for a poultry facility, and 150 ft for any other concentrated sources of contamination.
- Will drilling a well cause any damage to my property?
No. The final footprint of the well will be a 5 ft x 5 ft cement pad. You will have temporary disturbances while the well is being drilled.
- What kind of maintenance will my well require after it’s drilled?
Regular water well system maintenance is important. Knowing and practicing the basics of regular well maintenance can reduce risks to your water supply and prevent costly and inconvenient breakdowns.
Go to http://www.wellowner.org/water-well-maintenance/ for a detailed resource on residential water well maintenance.
- How do I ensure my water is high quality?
No contractor wants to drill a “dry” hole or a well with inferior water quality and it is unlikely they will encounter this problem. But when dealing with subsurface geology, it is difficult to guarantee finding water, or to predict its quantity and quality. Up front research regarding the depth, quality and flow rates of surrounding wells will help you to make an informed decision.
- Do I need a permit to drill for a well on my property and how do I get one?
Yes. You apply for a permit with your local groundwater conservation district. Visit this website for a list of Texas groundwater districts: http://www.twdb.texas.gov/groundwater/conservation_districts/index.asp
- What are some of the pros and cons of having a well drilled on my property?
Pros:
- No city water bills.
- Fresh water, not treated.
- No watering restrictions.
Cons:
- Maintenance/possible well repairs.
- Unless you have a solar system, when power goes out your well is down.
- Fresh water will likely require some type of treatment.