Where Should the Well Go?
Choosing the right spot for your water well isn’t just about picking a place and digging—it’s a decision that can impact the safety, quality, and reliability of your water for years to come.
Here’s what to consider when deciding where to drill:
1) High and Dry is Best - whenever possible, aim to place your well on higher ground. This helps prevent water from pooling around the wellhead after heavy rain or snowmelt. Why does that matter? Because if water collects around the top of the well—and if the seal around the casing isn’t completely watertight—it could let contaminants seep in.
2) Keep Your Distance from Contamination - Most local and state agencies have specific rules about how far your well needs to be from potential pollution sources. These might include:
• Septic systems and drain fields
• Animal pens or barns
• Fuel or chemical storage
• Roads or driveways
• Areas treated with fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides
Following these setback distances isn’t just smart—it’s often the law. Your well driller should be familiar with all applicable regulations.
3) Know What’s Underground - Your well doesn’t tap into a random water source. It draws from an aquifer, a natural underground reservoir. Local geology plays a big role in determining the best drilling location.
4) Make Room for Maintenance - Don’t forget that your well is a mechanical system—it needs regular servicing, so make sure it's located where large equipment can reach it.
