Types of Water Wells

Water supply wells may be characterized as shallow or deep. In addition, wells are classified as follows  

Note During the well development process, mud and silt forced into the aquifer during the drilling process is removed, allowing the well to produce the best-quality water at the highest rate from the aquifer. 

Shallow wells are those that are less than 100 ft deep. Such wells are not particularly desirable for municipal supplies because the aquifers they tap are likely to fluctuate considerably in depth, making the yield somewhat uncertain. Municipal wells in such aquifers cause a reduction in the water table (or phreatic surface) that affects nearby private wells, which are more likely to utilize shallow strata. Such interference with private wells may result in damage suits against the community. Shallow wells may be dug, bored, or driven  

Deep wells are the usual source of groundwater for municipalities. Deep wells tap thick and extensive aquifers that are not subject to rapid fluctuations in water level and that provide a large and uniform yield. Deep wells typically yield water of more constant quality than shallow wells, although the quality is not necessarily better. Deep wells are constructed by a variety of techniques we discuss two of these techniques below  

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