Frequently Asked Questions
1.) I've never drilled for water before. Where do I start?
You're in a common position. Most people never drill a well in their lifetimes. Those who do probably only drill one. Drilling for water is a substantial expense and one that you'll want to be done safely and properly. The best place to start is my calling and conferring with several well-drillers to see who gives you the most accurate information and the fairest price while ensuring the use of good quality materials, safe practices, and the proper set-up and service for your water system. For an in-depth look at the issues, take a look at the USGS booklet "Ground Water and the Rural Homeowner."
2.) How do I choose a well-driller?
Much in the same way you would choose a doctor or a dentist. By asking lots of questions and looking for solid answers. Do they have the proper equipment? Does their equipment look well cared for? Do they have references. Are they friendly and courteous? What kinds of materials do they use? Is their pricing in line with a quality product, or are they excessively inexpensive. Remember, if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Since you're more than likely to only drill one well in your lifetime, be sure that you get the well you want rather than to ask for a lifetime of headaches by seeking out a "bargain." Remember also that a good water system contributes to the re-sale value of your home, while a poor one can mean a heavily diminished value on the real estate market. Also be sure that your driller/water system installer is licensed by the state and local authorities and is fully bonded and insured.
3.) How do I know where I'll find water?
While in many people rely upon "dowsers" at Thompson Water Wells we rely upon the environmental sciences of geology and hydrology as a basis for well drilling. The USGS (United States Geological Survey) has done much work in the area of researching and mapping of water resources through radar and satellite imagery. Although there are no guarantees that there will be a certain flow of water at a certain depth (because of water reservoir fluctuations and other environmental and usage factors), by drawing upon scientific knoweldge and the drilling history of an area, we can usually make fairly accurate forecasts for drilling success.
4.) What's the best location of a well on my property?
Other than determining the best location regarding water-supply, it's also very important that your well be located in a place that is easy to service in the years ahead. If you place your well in a place that is hard to access, it may be difficult and expensive to service the well in the future. Work with your driller/water system professional and your architect/engineer and contractor to determine the best place for your well.
5.) What determines how much water pressure I'll have?
There are a number of factors that will determine water pressure in any area. What kind and size of reservoir/aquifer is your land above? What is the historical draw-usage for the water supply? What has the weather pattern in your area been like historically? What is the depth of the water reservoir/aquafer? What kind of well casing material does your well-driller/water system installer use? What kind of pump and tank system are you using? These are all factors that you'll want to ask your well driller/water system installer about as you approach the well-drilling process.
6.) How do I know what the quality of water will be with my well?
This will depend upon both natural and man-made environmental factors. Because much of New Mexico is located upon a combination of sedimentary and volcanic geological bedrock, the underlying strata can vary greatly from place to place, meaning that some areas may have very clean, pure water and other places may have water with a sulfuric or brackish quality. Talk to your well driller/water sytem installer about the drilling history of your area. Also ask about what kinds of filtration options are available.
Similarly, beware of the sanitation and industrial uses of the land around you. Improper disposal of sewage and industrial waste can mean infiltration of the water table. Again, consult your water driller/water system installer regarding the history of your area.
7.) What kind of system do I need to get the water from the ground to my house?
The type of system you will need will depend upon the strength of the well (how much water it produces) and what your water usage needs are. Some residential wells produce far more water than can be used by a normal household in a normal lifetime. Other wells produce water at a much slower rate and will require a water system with a pump that will help to gather water at a different rate and store the water in a cistern for later use. Again, work with your driller and water system installer to determine what kind of system will work best for your location and needs.
8.) How deep will we have to drill to get a good water supply?
That is a question that can never have a firm answer until you begin the drilling process. However, a good driller will have experience of the drilling history of an area. Because of various geological factors (fault lines, alluvial composite factors, vocanic "dams," etc) even though an area may have a very strong drilling history, deep geological factors may be in effect at the aquifer level.
9.) How do I ensure that my water supply will stay fresh, clean, and safe?
Consumer awareness is the best way. Be sure to choose a water system installer who uses the best materials and equipment, who knows how to install it properly, and has a reputation and history for excellent service. Also be aware of the kinds of development in your area and be active in your community to keep your water supply fresh and safe.
10.) How much does it cost to drill a water well?
Water well drilling and water system installation is a substantial cost in the life of a homeowner. Depending upon the depth of the water table, the quality of the water found, the types of pumps, tanks, and (possibly) cisterns necessary to make a successful system for your usage, it can cost anywhere from $8,000-$50,000. Be sure to check with your well driller to get a history of well drilling in your area. While it's never a guarantee, it may be possible to get a ballpark figure of your costs based upon the drilling history of your neighbors.
11.) Who handles the workers' insurance and liability issues when the crew is on my property?
Well drilling is a dangerous activity with lots of large, heavy machinery, booms, pipes, and moving parts. Be sure to ask your well driller/water system installer about his workman's compensation program. Many drillers are not insured or indemnified, meaning that if they or their employees are hurt on your property, you may be liable for their injuries. At Thompson Water Wells we are licensed, bonded, and insured, meaning that the liablity for possible drilling-related injuries is shifted off your shoulders.
12.) How long should I expect my well to last?
The answer to this question depends upon a number of natural and man-made environmental factors. How large is the underground water reservoir/aquifer? Does it have a restoring inflow of water? Has their been a history of drought in the area? How many other users are drawing upon the water supply and what are their needs and usage habits? Living next door to a family of four is much different than living next to a golf-course or a factory that draws upon water reserves. What are your own water usage needs/habits? All of these will factor into the life of a well.
13.) What kind of service should I expect on my water system once it's drilled?
Your well is your life-blood. Having a water system that works is the foundation for a healthy life. Therefore, you'll want a quality water system which is also backed up by good service should something go wrong. That means you'll want a water system installer with a proven history of service who'll be able to respond to your water system service needs as they arise. Thompson Water Wells has that kind of record. We'll advise you from pre-drilling to functional operation of your water system. AND, we'll be there when you need us for the life of your system.
14.) How do I pay for my well?
A water well system is an imporant part of your home. You'll want to dedicate a serious proportion of your building budget to the proper drilling of your well and installation of your water system. Thompson Water Wells requires a deposit before drilling and full payment upon functional installation of your system.