DIYbanter - View Single Post

wrote:
Hi. Here in Newfoundland, Canada and Artesian well is drilled down at
usually around 200', a casing is put in the drilled hole and water is
pushed up through the ground using a pump in most cases.

marson wrote:
not sure what you mean by artesian well. around here, it is a well
where the water comes to the surface naturally. only occurs on very
specific sites. also in minnesota, the health department regulates
wells. i believe shallow wells aren't even legal, since they draw on
shallow groundwater which can be contaminated. (i believe they have to
be at least 50' deep).

Marson's definition is the correct one. To be accurately called an
"artesian" the water must reach the surface on its own, no pump. What
you are referring to is a "drilled well".

Back to your original question. Shallow, dug wells are risky for two
reasons (both already mentioned.

Contamination
Unreliable flow unless you luck out and hit a very shallow aquifer.

The equipment needed for both wells is the same. Pump, pressure tank,
control equipment, pipe, wire. Of course the deep drilled well will
use more pipe and wire but that is the only difference (other than
cost)

Harry K