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Digging your own shallow water well

  • Writer: David Bennett
    David Bennett
  • Apr 9
  • 2 min read

Digging your own shallow water well can be a rewarding DIY project if you’re in a rural area or want an off-grid water source. However, it requires careful planning, the right tools, and attention to safety. Here's a step-by-step overview of how to dig a shallow water well (typically less than 30 feet (10m ) deep):

🧠 Things to Know Before You Start

  • Check local regulations: Some areas require permits for wells.

  • Know your water table: A shallow well needs to reach below the water table, which varies by location and season.

  • Test for contamination risk: Make sure you’re not near septic systems, animal pens, or chemical storage.

🛠️ What You’ll Need

  • Post-hole digger or manual auger (for soft ground)

  • Shovel

  • Well screen or perforated PVC pipe (to draw water)

  • Solid PVC pipe (for the casing)

  • Gravel and bentonite clay or sealant (for filtering and sealing)

  • Rope, pulley, or tripod (if going deeper)

  • Hand pump (or electric pump if you have power)

🕳️ Step-by-Step Guide

1. Pick the Right Spot

  • Choose low-lying ground (water tends to collect there).

  • Avoid places too close to septic tanks, livestock, or where contaminants may enter.

2. Start Digging

  • Use a shovel or post-hole digger for very shallow wells.

  • For deeper ones, a manual auger can help go 20–30 feet.

  • You might need a tripod with a pulley to remove soil in buckets.

3. Install the Casing

  • Once you hit moist, sandy soil or actual water:

    • Drop in your well casing (PVC pipe).

    • The bottom part should have slits or a screen to let in water and keep out debris.

4. Add Filter Pack

  • Pour clean gravel around the screen portion of the casing.

  • This helps filter water before it enters the well.

5. Seal the Top

  • Use bentonite clay or concrete to seal around the top of the well casing.

  • This prevents surface contaminants from seeping down.

6. Install the Pump

  • A simple hand pump is best for shallow wells.

  • If you have power, a shallow well jet pump works too.

💧 Testing and Safety

  • Test the water before drinking—check for bacteria, nitrates, etc.

  • Regularly inspect your well for contamination or damage.

  • Protect the wellhead with a cap or cover.

🚫 Things Not to Do

  • Don’t assume the water is safe just because it’s clear.

  • Don’t dig too close to buildings (structural risk).

Don’t go too deep manually—call a pro if you're hitting 30+ feet.

 
 
 

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