Installing a well on your property is an important part of the building process. You will want access to clean, running water in your home or business and unless a public water system is available to you, you will need a private well. The location of the well and the type of ground you are working with both come into play when deciding what type of well you should install.
Drilled Wells
Drilled wells are the most common type of water well El Campo residents have installed. As they are drilled by rotary or percussion drilling equipment, they are able to go deeper into the ground than other types of wells. The casing that is installed as a part of the drilling process makes them safer from contamination and the best choice for most landowners.
Driven Wells
With a driven well, lengths of pipe are driven into the ground and are cased, but at much shallower depths than drilled wells. These are typically found in areas with sand or gravel, rather than other types of soil. They may be a bit less expensive than a driven well, but because they are not deep, the water is at risk from ground level contamination.
Dug Wells
Though at one time these were the only available type of well, dug wells are used far less often today. These are typically wider and shallow and are not protected by casing. Contamination is a major issue with a dug well and they can also dry up if the water table drops in the area. In some unique situations, such as unstable soil, these may still be used.
Understanding the basic types of wells available and knowing the makeup of the ground on your property can help you on your way to choosing the safest, most effective water source.