What Is Artesian Well Water?

Artesian well water is a special ground water that flows naturally to the surface without any form of pumping. An artesian well is a well that draws on a confined aquifer, which is a layer of rock or sediment holding water underground. In this guide, we will learn the meaning of artesian well water, its operation, advantages, and the problems that may arise with it.

What is an Artesian Well?

In order to comprehend artesian well water, one should first define what an artesian well is. An artesian well is a well that is dug into an under-pressure aquifer. Water in this aquifer is usually trapped between two impermeable rocks or clay and a pressure is built up forcing the water to come up naturally to the surface once a hole (or well) is bored into it. This implies that there is no need of a pump in order to pump water to the surface.

 

Key Characteristics of Artesian Wells

Pressure-Driven: An artesian well is naturally pressurized, and the water in it can come up on its own without any mechanical aid.

Confined Aquifer: The confined aquifer is a body of water that is trapped underground between two impermeable layers of rock or sediment which becomes pressurized.

Natural Flow: Unlike the normal wells which need the use of pumps to pump the water up to the surface, the water in the artesian well can be produced without the use of pumps because of the pressure in the aquifer.

How Does Artesian Well Water Work?

The principle of artesian wells is that it draws a supply of water through an underground reservoir, a confined aquifer, separated by impermeable layers. These layers keep the water in place; however, they also cause pressure, which pumps the water up when a well is drilled into the aquifer. It is this pressure that makes artesian wells different than other types of wells.

Types of Artesian Wells and the Flow of Water

There are two types of artesian wells: 

Flowing Artesian Wells: The flow of the water is great in these wells, such that the pressure is sufficient to bring the water to the surface without use of pump.

Non-Flowing Artesian Wells: Unconfined aquifers, on the other hand, do not have the same pressure, and consequently, water must be pumped to the surface. Unlike flowing artesian wells, these wells lack sufficient pressure needed to take the water up to the surface and a pump is needed to pump up the water.

 

What Are the Benefits of Artesian Well Water?

Artesian well water is usually regarded as high-quality water because of its natural filtration.

The main advantages of artesian well water are the following:

Natural Filtration

The water flows through the strata of rock and sediment where it is naturally filtered, and various impurities and pollutants are eliminated. Artesian well water is typically fresher than other water sources, e.g., surface water in lakes or rivers.

Consistent Supply

The water of artesian wells is usually dependable, and may be obtained in every season, where the water aquifers are deep and well-developed. The pressure in the confined aquifer also assists in ensuring that there is consistent water flow even in a dry season when other sources of water may be scarce.

Fresh Taste

Artesian well water is reported by many people to taste clean and fresher than tap water or well water drawn on an unconfined aquifer. This is because of the natural filtering process that eliminates most of the minerals and impurities that alter the taste of water.

Low Maintenance

Artesian wells are pressure-driven, thus they do not need a lot of maintenance, as compared to other wells that depend on pumps. With flowing artesian wells, you won’t have to fear a malfunction of the pump, which may save some time and money in the long run.

Challenges of Artesian Well Water

Though there are a number of advantages using artesian well water, there are also a few challenges. Being aware of these challenges will allow you to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing whether artesian well water is the right solution for your property.

Limited Availability

Artesian wells cannot develop under just any geological circumstances and not all places have access to a confined aquifer. Thus, finding artesian well water may be tricky, especially in those locations where underground geology does not precondition the presence of confined aquifers.

Water Quality Issues

Though the water in the artesian well is normally assumed to be pure and clean, there is a possibility of contamination by both natural and man-made contaminants. As an example, some minerals such as iron or sulfur may be occasionally found in artesian water and may influence its flavor or quality. The water may sometimes be contaminated by the environment if defenses around the aquifer are breached.

Pressure Fluctuations

The pressure within an artesian well might vary in some instances, thus causing a decrease in water flow. This may happen because of the alteration in the aquifer or other external sources like over pumping in the adjacent wells. Where this pressure is inadequate, a pump might be needed to pump out water.

Expensive to Drill

Artesian well drilling may be costly compared to the ordinary well drilling, particularly where the site needs deep drilling to access the confined aquifer. Depending on the depth of the artesian well that is drilled, the cost might be high and other maintenance or repair work might be required in the future.

Is Artesian Well Water Safe to Drink?

Yes, it is generally safe to drink water from artesian wells, as long as the water is well-tested and well maintained. Artesian well water should be tested periodically to check the presence of contaminants like bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and other pollutants, just like all other water sources. The most important thing in ensuring that the water is safe is to ensure that the well is in good condition and without any contamination.