Self-Sufficiency: Dig Your Own Well Safely and Legally

Water is an indispensable resource, especially for those who embrace the homesteading lifestyle. It’s crucial for drinking, cooking, sanitation, and supporting livestock and gardens, all of which are integral to a self-sufficient home. While public water systems are available, they aren’t always reliable or accessible, particularly in rural areas.

For those looking to ensure a steady water supply, digging a well on your property is a vital step. Before embarking on this endeavor, it’s important to consider several key factors to ensure success and safety.

First, identify the purpose of your well. Are you seeking a primary water source for your household, or do you need water for agricultural purposes? Each scenario requires a different approach. A well for landscaping might be a DIY project, as the water won’t be used for human or animal consumption. However, if the well will supply your household or animals, it’s advisable to consult with licensed professionals to guarantee safe water quality.

Despite the long history of well-digging, it’s not as simple as grabbing a shovel and digging until you hit water. Most states and jurisdictions have specific regulations governing well construction due to safety concerns and existing utilities. For instance, some areas require permits for drilling beyond a certain depth, such as 200 feet, or mandate professional drilling services.

Before you begin, research local regulations thoroughly. Key considerations include:

– Local regulations about water wells
– Required well depth for healthy water
– Maximum allowable well width
– Distance requirements from structures, sewer pipes, or septic lines
– Structural components needed to meet safety codes
– Awareness of underground utility lines
– Necessary permits and permissions

Once you’ve navigated the regulatory landscape, the next step is selecting the optimal location for your well. This decision is crucial, as an improperly placed well may yield insufficient or contaminated water. Investigate whether other wells exist nearby, as they can impact water availability. Additionally, consider the property’s topography, including hidden aquifers or rock formations.

Avoid locations near septic tanks, sewers, muddy areas, or waste matter to prevent contamination. Many people underestimate the depth required to access safe water, often needing to dig 100 feet or more. This depth ensures the water is free from contaminants like fertilizers.

Given the complexities and potential hazards of deep well digging, it’s often best to hire professionals. However, if you’re determined to undertake the project yourself, you can purchase a DIY well kit or gather the necessary components. Essential items include:

– 1.5 times the depth of your well in air hose
– 1.5 times the well depth in 1″ PVC pipe for the permanent well tube
– 300 feet of rope or more, depending on well depth
– 5 feet of 8″ PVC and 10 feet of 2″ PVC

For a DIY approach, follow these basic steps from A&T Well and Pump:

Begin by digging down about 5 feet with an auger or post-hole digger, fitting an 8″ PVC pipe into the hole with 4 inches above ground. Drill a 2″ hole into the pipe’s side and insert the 2″ PVC. Create a settling pond 10 feet away, connect it to the well with an 8-inch ditch, and cover the 2″ PVC pipe with dirt to transfer clean water.

Place a drum at the pond’s edge, facing the well. As the drum collects water from the well, it will empty into the pond and flow back in. Secure the PVC pipe to the drill, ensuring no leaks, and run the other end into a 55-gallon drum to create a space for mud and water to empty.

Drilling the well can take hours or weeks, depending on soil type and the tools or assistance available. Fill the well hole with water, activate the drill, and move it to break up the soil. When adding more pipe, remove the running drill from the water, turn off the pressure, and continue drilling downward.

Once you reach the desired depth, case off the well with SDR 35 pipe, extending 3 feet above ground, and secure it with concrete and pea gravel to prevent contamination. Finally, install your well pump, run the water until clear, and test it for safety.

For visual learners, A&T Well and Pump offers a YouTube video demonstrating the well-digging process.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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