Drilled wells and dug wells are two common types of water wells. Drilled wells are created by drilling a hole into the ground with a drill rig, while dug wells are created by digging a hole into the ground with hand tools or machinery. Dug wells are typically lined with concrete tiles/rings 30-36 inches in diameter, and 2-3 feet tall each, stacked on top of each other. Drilled wells are typically steel pipe, 6-8 inches in diameter, welded together during installation 20 foot lengths.
The Advantages of Drilled Wells Compared to Dug Wells
There are several reasons why drilled wells are better than dug wells.
- Drilled wells have a smaller diameter than dug wells. This makes them less likely to collapse, cheaper per foot to build, and easier to maintain.
- Drilled wells can be drilled to greater depths than dug wells. This means that they can access water sources that are not available to dug wells. Deeper wells are also less likely to be affected by surface contamination, such as bacteria and pollutants.
- Drilled wells are more efficient than dug wells. This means that they can produce more water with less energy.
- Drilled wells are more durable than dug wells. This means that they will last longer and require less maintenance.
- Drilled wells are less susceptible to pollution/sanitary problems because they are tapping into deeper more protected aquifers, and are constructed with sealing material to prevent surface water intrusion.
In addition to these advantages, drilled wells also have several other benefits. For example, drilled wells can be equipped with screens and filters to remove impurities from the water. Drilled wells can also be sealed to prevent contamination.
If you are considering installing a water well, you should choose a drilled well over a dug well. Drilled wells are a better investment and will provide you with a safe and reliable source of water for many years to come. Here is a table summarizing the key differences between drilled wells and dug wells:
| Feature | Drilled Well | Dug Well |
| Depth | Deeper | Shallower |
| Diameter | Smaller | Larger |
| Access to Aquifers | Greater | Limited |
| Efficiency | More efficient | Less efficient |
| Durability & Longevity | Great Durability, 50+ Years | Less Durable, 25-50 Years |
| Sanitary Sealing | Excellent | Inadequate |
Overall, drilled wells are a better option than dug wells for most applications. They are deeper, have a smaller diameter, can be drilled to greater depths, are more efficient, and are more durable.
Do you want to replace your dug well with a drilled well?
If you are interested in drilling a new well, please contact JKA Well Drilling & Pumps by calling (360) 684-1932 to set up a consultation.
