How to Dig a Lawn Water Well

Digging your own well can provide you with a primary or back-up water source.

Digging your own water well can be an appealing thought for some landowners. Having your own water supply will end your dependence upon water supplied by the city or town where you reside. Digging a well is not terribly difficult, though it will be much easier if you rent some heavy machinery rather than hacking away at the soil for hours with a pick and shovel.

Things You'll Need

• Backhoe
• Measuring tape
• Gravel
• Heavy chain
• Pre-cast concrete pipe with cover
• Shovel

Instructions

1. Check the local water tables in your area. Determine how far below the soil's surface the water table is to give you an idea of how deep you need to dig your well. Keep in mind that the further down you have to dig, the more materials you will need and the more expensive it will be. An average well typically should not have to be any deeper than 10 to 20 feet. Water tables are available at your public library, as well as through several online sources, including the United States Geological Survey's website.

2. Find a suitable spot on your land to dig the well. Wait until the driest part of the year, typically late summer or early autumn, to determine the location. Look for green vegetation in the area where you want to dig as this indicates a large water supply below ground, even in dry conditions.

3. Decide how wide you want the well to be. Purchase a section of pre-cast concrete pipe in the diameter and length you need. This will be the liner for the inside of the well. Most residential wells are between 36 to 48 inches in diameter.

4. Use a backhoe to dig a hole in the area you have chosen. Try to dig the hole close to the depth of the water table. You will notice the hole filling up with water as you approach the depth of the water table. Use a measuring tape to help determine the depth of the hole while you dig. Have a friend check the depth every few feet during the digging process while you operate the backhoe.

5. Fill the bottom of the hole with 12 inches of gravel. This will help keep the concrete pipe level and prevent it from sinking into the soil.

6. Chain the section of concrete pipe to the arm of the backhoe. Lift the pipe with the backhoe and insert it into the well hole. Center the pipe in the middle of the gravel. Unchain the pipe once you have it situated.

7. Fill in the area around the pipe with more gravel. Continue filling in the hole around the pipe until the gravel is 12 inches higher than the water level.

8. Continue filling the rest of the hole around the concrete pipe with the soil you excavated earlier. Pack the soil down with a shovel when you are finished.

9. Decide on the method for obtaining water from the well. Install a pump in the well or a simple bucket on a string to access the water. Cover the well when it's not in use. Pre-cast concrete pipe sections are available with covers or caps to restrict access to the well. There are also many companies that manufacture well covers, many of which are available online.

References

• Georgia Water Science Center: Groundwater -- Wells
• Preparing Your Family: How to Dig a Water Well
• Lifewater Canada: On-Line Water Well Drilling Tutorial

Resources

• U.S.GeologicalSurvey: Local Water Resources Offices
• PiedmontWellCovers: Standard Stock Fiberglass Well Covers