Well Drilling
Artesian (bedrock) wells take their water from fractures in bedrock. These fractures are fed from the water table in the overlying soils. To reach adequate water-bearing fractures in New Hampshire and Vermont, most well range between 100 to 500 feet. At Capital Well, we use the air drilling process to achieve the depth. Once the drill reaches bedrock, tubular steel casing (tipped with a steel “drive shoe”) is installed to prevent contaminants from mixing with the water supply. The amount of casing needed varies based on geography; however the minimum casing used would be 40 feet of casing. Some casings also required “grouting” which is an additional seal using cement bentonite. The need for grouting is also based on geography. After the well has been drilled, a well cap will be placed on the top of the casing to prevent debris from entering the well water. The drilling process typically takes 1-2 days.
Having a well drilled is not an everyday occurrence for the average homeowner and some folks may be unfamiliar with what’s involved in the process. We at Capital recognize that this is an exciting event for you and want you to know that from the time you place your first phone call to us, our Team of professionals will be with you through each phase. Here’s a review of what you can expect.
A member of our office staff will arrange a site meeting between you and your personal field representative. At this meeting, your field rep will help you determine a well yield to satisfy your family’s current and future water needs. Your representative will also prepare a written estimate on the cost of drilling your well and installing your pump.
Once you have signed and returned your contract, your representative will return to your site to “stake”’ off the area where the well is to be drilled. Placement is determined by several factors, including the building layout information you provided at your initial meeting, site topography and setback requirement to name a few.
After our scheduling department receives the “all clear” from your representative we will notify you of the approximate date your well will be drilled. Upon completion of the drilling process, we will inform you of the depth and yield of your new well. This is also the final information required to guide your representative in selecting the appropriate size pump for your family’s needs.
When you notify us that you’re ready to have your pump installed, our scheduling department will coordinate the date with you or with your contractor. Upon installation of your pump, your technician will disinfect your water with chlorine. He will also leave a water analysis kit on or near your water tank. Once the well has been “exercised” and is clear of chlorine you can at your convenience take a water sample.
