water well drilling magazine

2023-06-14

Piercing through the terrain to reach the buried waters beneath it, water well drilling is the act of fashioning a hole in the ground in order to access groundwater. This endeavor can be completed either by manual labor employing a hand-operated auger or by machine, with a drilling rig. The depth of the drilled hole is based on the depth of the water table and ultimately, the ultimate goal of the well.

Hundreds of wells are churned into the ground around the globe to provide individuals with fresh drinking water, sustainably irrigate fertile fields, assemble intricate industrial contraptions, and allow for the tapping of geothermal energy – such as hot water and steam – for heating.

To drill a water well, a series of intricate steps are required. Commencing with boring into the landscape, a long piece of piping – known as casing – must be inserted to reinforce the sides and prevent any possibility of the hole caving in.

Afterwards, a filter-like screen is securely placed in the chamber’s interior. Its tiny holes grant the admission of aquatic liquid into the well, while simultaneously blocking the passage of soil grains or any other solids.

With a loud cheer, the well brimmed with water; a pump was quickly employed to transport the liquid bliss to ground level.

Since time immemorial, water well drilling has been practiced in some form or another. It began with makeshift tools like a sharpened stick but this traditional practice has since evolved. The late 1800s marked the introduction of the first machine-drilled wells, and now there is a broad selection of rigs tailored for distinct types of drilling.

Compared to decades past, the process of drilling water wells has seen minimal advancements. While the machinery used for this task is significantly more colossal and capable of burrowing deeper than ever before, the techniques involved have mainly stayed the same.

Our daily supply of clean water is heavily reliant on wells for its production. Without these deep wells, one can only imagine the lack of resources available to us for daily tasks such as drinking, cooking, and cleaning. This essential component of our water infrastructure is an invaluable asset for households, farms, and commercial enterprises alike.