How Deep to Drill for Water?

The depth to drill for water depends on several factors, but for drinking water, a minimum depth of 100 feet is generally recommended to avoid surface contaminants.

Typical Well Depths

When drilling a well, depth is a crucial factor affecting both water safety and availability. The typical depths for a private residence range from 100 to 800 feet, according to recommended practices. The actual depth required varies significantly based on local geological conditions and the intended use of the water.

Factors Influencing Well Depth

Here are factors that influence how deep you need to drill for water:

• Local Geology: The type of soil and rock layers beneath the surface greatly impact how deep you must drill to reach a reliable aquifer (underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock).
• Desired Water Quality: The deeper you drill, the less chance of surface contaminants reaching the water supply. Thus, for drinking water, deeper wells are typically recommended.
• Water Demand: The volume of water you need influences the depth and diameter of your well.
• Nearby Wells: Checking the depth of nearby successful wells can provide a good starting point.
• Local Regulations: Always adhere to local regulations and building codes regarding well construction.

Recommended Depth for Drinking Water

According to the reference provided, here's the key takeaway:

• For a well intended for drinking water, it should be at least 100 feet deep.

Summary of Well Depths

While 100 feet is the minimum depth recommended for drinking water to avoid surface contamination, the exact depth needed is still dependent on other factors and could require drilling much deeper.