Frequently asked Questions
1. How much will a new well cost?
There is no way to predict the exact cost of a new well, since wells can vary greatly in depth and the cost is based on both the depth of the well and the amount of casing required. That being said, our average well cost about $3500 in 2007.
2. What determines the depth of a well?
Because most wells in Maine are "fractured bedrock wells," the size and location of water-bearing fractures encountered during drilling determines the depth of the well. The amount of casing needed depends on the depth of the bedrock in a given area, as the casing seals off unwanted contaminants above the bedrock.
3. How do you know when you have enough water?
During drilling, compressed air continuously cleans the hole and lifts out any water entering through fractures allowing the rate of flow can be measured at any time. When deciding whether or not a given flow rate will adequately supply a house, the driller must first consider the depth of the well.
A typical well holds about 1.5 gallons of water per foot and will fill up to within 25 feet of ground level. As such, at a depth of 300 feet the flow rate can be significantly lower than at 100 feet because of the differences in storage capacity of the well. In fact, the water stored in a 300 foot well will supply the average house for a day.
4. How do I know that my water is safe to drink?
There are no laws requiring private wells to be tested in the state of Maine, so it is up to the well owner to ensure that their water is safe for consumption. Well water should be tested after the well is drilled and then once a year because normal groundwater flow and other changing conditions can alter the quality of your water. Test kits are available from Innis Well Drilling LLC.
Annual chlorination of your water is also a good idea. For best results have this done by a professional, but for the do-it-your-selfers out there, read on.
5. How do I chlorinate my well?
* When handling chlorine or any potentially harmful chemicals, be sure to wear rubber gloves and safety glasses. *
Before you start it will help to know the well’s depth, diameter, and pH level. You can find the well depth stamped on the underside of the well cap or on a label affixed to the expansion tank. If not, try calling the company who drilled the well. Most wells are six inches in diameter, but you should measure the inside of the casing to be sure. The pH level can be found on water test results or by using test strips purchased at pool supply stores. The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of water on a scale of 1 to 14, 1 being most acidic, 7 being neutral and 14 being most alkaline. Chlorine is most effective in water with a low pH; in fact, a chlorine solution in 7 pH water has a 75% greater biocidal efficiency than a solution in 8 pH water.
1. Shut the power off to the pump.
2. Remove the well cap and carefully move the wires out of the way, hugging the side of the well casing(submersible pumps only)
3. Run a hose from an outside faucet or the drain valve on the expansion tank to the well. *Be sure to bypass all softeners, filters, and other water treatment equipment. Introducing chlorine into these systems can permanently damage them.* Stick the hose a few feet down the well.
4. Double check that the electrical connections are out of the way. Turn power on to the pump and with the water running pour the required amount of bleach(refer to table 1) into the well and away from the wires. The normal range of recommended concentration is 50-100 parts per million (PPM), which is about 20 to 40 ounces of bleach for every 100 feet of depth in a 6 inch diameter well. If you do not know the depth of your well, test strips available at your local pool supply store will tell you the concentration of chlorine in your water.
5. After about 15 minutes of water circulation a strong chlorine odor should be present at the well. At this point, turn on all faucets in the house starting with cold water and then hot until a chlorine odor is present at all taps.
6. Allow the chlorine to stand in the system for at least six hours, preferably overnight. Flush the system from an outside faucet until no chlorine odor can be detected. Repeat on each faucet in the house.
7. Return all water treatment equipment to the service position and enjoy your water!
6. How do you know where to drill?
Typically, the first consideration for the well location is keeping enough distance from the septic system to prevent contamination. State of Maine law requires the well to be at least 60 feet from the septic tank and 100 feet from the leach field. Although there is no set-back required from property lines, it is very important to be sure of its exact location when drilling close by. Finally, the well must not be within the right of way of any roads adjoining the property. As a general rule of thumb, the right of way extends 35 feet from the center of the road, but to be sure contact DIG SAFE before digging or drilling to avoid striking any underground utilities. We prefer to meet with the customer at the job site to determine the best location for the well, so feel free to call us if you need assistance..