How Deep Does a Residential Water Well Have to Be?

How deep will your residential water well have to be drilled?

Well vs. City Water

This question is important because licensed well contractors charge by the foot for drilling. This means that depth plays a major role in determining the overall cost.

A residential water well can be anywhere from 100 to 800 feet deep – or more. Private wells in the Intermountain West region typically max out at about 200 feet. However, the depth cannot be accurately determined before drilling begins, because several factors influence how deep a well must be to produce an adequate water yield.

Season Fluctuations of the Water Table

Throughout the year, the water table fluctuates up and down due to local groundwater use and precipitation. Drought conditions also affect water table levels. A residential well must be drilled deeper than the lowest likely level to prevent seasonal differences in yield.

Local Surface Contamination Risks

Proper well construction generally provides protection against surface bacterial contamination. In some cases, however, the depth of a residential well is increased to provide a longer flow path of water. The longer the flow path, the greater the likelihood that any subsurface bacteria present will die off or be trapped in the soil and rock.

Low-Yielding Rock Formations

Water well yield can be especially low in areas with hard rock formations, as the impermeable rock acts as a barrier to groundwater flow. To solve this problem, your well contractor may need to drill down further, deep enough to provide a groundwater storage cavity.

Water Quality in the Region

Some regions with multiple aquifers have poor water quality zones that need to be avoided or cased off when drilling a residential well. Otherwise, the quality of the household water may be compromised. Bypassing these zones may mean increasing the well’s depth.

Local Water Well Regulations

Building codes and construction specifications and standards vary by state and licensed well contractors have to follow the local requirements and drilling guidelines. Along with rules regarding location, pump installation and well development, the depth of the well, casing and grout may be regulated.

Are you planning on drilling a new residential water well in Utah or Wyoming? The depth will depend upon the geology and groundwater levels in your area, but the Z-Team professionals at Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC can give you a cost estimate based upon our 30 years of experience drilling commercial and residential wells in the Intermountain West region.

Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC is committed to providing expert workmanship and exceptional customer service at a competitive price. Contact our Salt Lake City office today to schedule a free, no-pressure consultation with the Z-Team to discuss drilling your residential water well.