Where Does Well Water Come From?

Understanding the Source of Your Home’s Fresh Water Supply

To the majority of people, it is the daily routine to turn on the tap and obtain fresh water using a private well. But have you ever thought where does well water come from? Well water is extracted directly on the natural underground water reserves of the earth as compared to city water which is extracted in large treatment plants.

This article will discuss the definition of well water, the origin of well water, how it is formed, and why knowing its origin is crucial to the sustainability of clean and safe drinking water in your house.

What Is Well Water?

Well water refers to ground water which has been obtained through drilling a well into the ground. It naturally accumulates in deep formations known as aquifers-porous layers of rocks, sands and gravel which store water similar to a huge sponge that is located below the surface.

The homeowners who use the privately owned wells use the electric or manual pumps to pump this groundwater to the surface where it is utilized in drinking, bathing, cooking, and irrigation.

Contrary to municipal water, well water is not treated at the facility of a city or county. It also arrives directly at the ground; thus, the homeowner has to test, maintain and in case of necessity, treat the water to ensure it is not harmful.

How Does Well Water Form?

To get the answer to the question of the origin of well water, you must first have a clue to the water cycle- how nature recycles and redistributes water on the planet.

Precipitation and Infiltration

Water trickles into the ground when it rains or when it snows. Part of this water evaporates or flows into lakes and rivers but much of it penetrates through the soil.

Percolation Through Soil and Rock

Layers of soil, sand, and rock are traversed by the water, as it flows further into the ground. This is a natural filtration process that eliminates a lot but not all the impurities.

The water eventually gathers in aquifers, which are layers of rock underground which can store and conduct water.

Storage in Aquifers

Aquifers may be either shallow or deep. Shallow aquifers can be nearer to the surface and more susceptible to contamination, whereas deep aquifers can be safeguarded by densely laid rock and clay.

It is these aquifers that are the principal source of well water.

The Different Types of Wells

Not all wells are the same. The technique of constructing a well and the source of the water also depends on the geology of the region and the size of the aquifer.

Dug or Bored Wells

They are surface wells, usually 10 to 30 feet deep, usually excavated by hand or machine. They tap into near-surface water bodies and they are more prone to be contaminated by the surface pollutants such as fertilisers or bacteria.

Driven Wells

Such wells are drilled through a pipe to sandy or gravelly soil. They are able to go up to 50 feet and prevail in locations that have lofty soil. Similar to dug wells, they are a little bit prone to contamination.

Drilled Wells

The most prevalent type of drilled wells is used in the U.S. today. They are drilled with the help of modern drilling machines and may go down to hundreds or even thousands of feet. Due to their reach into the deep aquifers, the drilled wells tend to give the cleanest and most reliable water.

How Water Gets to Your Faucet

A submersible pump or a jet pump is placed on top of a well after it has been drilled in order to draw the water out of the aquifer. The water is directed into a pressure tank through pipes and it keeps the water at a constant pressure within your house.

It then enters your domestic water supply system where it supplies you with water to do all things such as drinking and showering.

Water is not automatically treated in the majority of the private well systems. It is the duty of the homeowners to ensure that they test their water frequently and install purification systems or filters where necessary.

Factors That Affect Well Water Quality

Although groundwater is filtered naturally, it is still subject to environmental and human influences. This knowledge can be used to safeguard the water in your family.

Nearby Land Use

Contaminants in the form of nitrates, pesticides and bacteria may enter the groundwater through farming, industrial activities, and septic systems.

Natural Minerals

Well water may have minerals such as iron, manganese, or calcium depending on the nature of the rock that the aquifer is located in that leads to hard water or discolouration.

Well Construction and Maintenance

Wells that have been poorly constructed or those that are old are prone to contamination. Problems are avoided by regular inspection and maintenance.

Local Geology

The nature of the soil and rock where you live influences the filtering and movement of water underground easily.

How to Protect and Maintain Your Well Water

When you have your own well, then you have a significant role to play in ensuring that your water is safe and clean.

The following are some of the easy effective tips:

Test Your Water Regularly

Professionals suggest that you should have your well water tested at least one time per year to the presence of bacteria, nitrates, and other pollutants. Further testing can be required when your water presents some changes in taste, colour or smell.

Inspect Your Well

Have a licensed well contractor inspect your system after every few years to determine the presence of cracks, leaks, or worn parts.

Keep Contaminants Away

Do not keep chemicals, fertilizers or waste around your well. Keep a distance between your well and your septic system.

Install Water Treatment If Needed

In case contaminants are detected in the tests, install water filters, softeners or purification systems. Reverse osmosis, UV light purification and activated carbon filters are popular.