Water Well Depth: How Deep Does a Well Need to Be?

If you are considering installing a water well system, one of the first questions you may wonder about what depth the experts will drill the well. There is a lot of technical calculations and requirements that go into determining the depth of each well. It is mostly about determining the geology and underground water levels for your area. Our professionals can talk with you more in depth about your specific needs and your location. Below is a brief overview of some general requirements to determine well depth.

Water Depth

Wells pull water from underground aquifers. Underground aquifers are water pockets within the underlying bedrock. Wells are drilled into the bedrock layer, giving access to the water that flows through the cracks. There is a casing that is installed in the bedrock to prevent any sediment or surface water from getting into the system, which can cause contamination. On average, to be deep enough to reach the bedrock, a water well would need to be anywhere from 100 to 500 feet deep, though there are some places where the well needs to be up to 1000 feet deep.

Type Of Soil

Maybe the biggest determining factor of the depth of your well is the type of ground and soil you have on your property. In Florida, we do not have super high elevations to contend with, but our ground and soil types are varied widely. A professional well drilling company such as ours will be able to discuss with you the geology of your location and determine the appropriate depth for your new water well system.

Cost

How deep the well drilling company must dig for your new well will determine the basic cost of your system, aside from the parts and labor, as most companies charge by the foot. After initial drilling, the company will determine if there is adequate water for your family’s needs. If so, drilling can stop, and the system can be installed. If not, the drilling will continue until a better water source is found.

Water Quality

In drilling for a water well, another factor to consider is the water quality, which also varies based on your specific geology and the waterbed in your area. As a general rule, the deeper the well goes, the more minerals that will be found in the water. This is not a preventative factor for drilling your well, as there are ways to treat the water to remove any excess minerals, such as installing a water softener.