driving a well point

[decar]

A couple of years ago I (with help from knowledgeable folks on this forum) drove a sand point 25' deep and it resulted in a very productive water well with great water. I knew the water bearing sand would be 22' down. (local knowledge) I use the well for garden but I was curious just the same, so I had it tested. It tested fine for potable. Hard but no bacteria. I had it tested a year later with the same results.
I am trying to help my sister-in-law put one down for her garden. I assumed that as she lived close to us, 18 miles, (Pee Dee region SC) that it would be close to the same as my well. The point is down a little over 26' and nothing yet. My elevation is 61', her elevation is 130'. I am closer to the coast. Would this difference in elevation have an effect on the depth of the aquifer? Someone told me sand at 21', someone else said 24'. The folks I knew that would know for certain are long gone. I do know that at one time there was a shallow well with pitcher pump less than one mile from her house. I drank from it many times. The well is now gone along with the man who owned it. His children do not know how deep it was. Driving the well point is becoming increasingly arduous. When is it time to concede? I ain't no spring chicken! I understand it would be impossible to know any definite figures concerning this project, but, any in general input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Reach4]

Someone told me sand at 21', someone else said 24'. The folks I knew that would know for certain are long gone. I do know that at one time there was a shallow well with pitcher pump less than one mile from her house.

There are pitcher pumps that are deep well pumps. They use a rod, and are able to push the water up from the bottom, rather than suck it from the top. My point that memories of a pitcher pump could have been from a deep well pump.

https://www.simplepump.com/products/deep-well-pump is a modern version that "fits 2-inch wells".

 

[Sponsor]

 

[decar]

There are pitcher pumps that are deep well pumps. They use a rod, and are able to push the water up from the bottom, rather than suck it from the top. My point that memories of a pitcher pump could have been from a deep well pump.

https://www.simplepump.com/products/deep-well-pump is a modern version that "fits 2-inch wells".

This particular pitcher pump was in a wide open field that later became a golf course. The pitcher pump remained between six green and seven tee for over 50 years. No deep well. pipe straight in the ground with an old elizabeth city pump sitting on top. It had to be primed before using. I guess they removed the pump for liability reasons. In the hot summer golfers would stop and drink from the pump. Myself included. I just wish someone local knew how deep the old well was. Thank you for your input. Much appreciated.

 

[Valveman]

24' is about as deep as a single pipe shallow well jet pump can lift. But adding a packer and using a deep well jet the sand point will still work at 100' deep. Be very hard to drive than deep though. Water levels can be different just across the street. Well drillers never really know what they will find until they find it. But a pump can't work without water, so keep driving or find a better spot.

 

[decar]

Thank you for your input. (keep driving or find a better spot) It's as simple as that, but, I still hate to face that reality. I've been thinking I would go to around 30' (if I can) before I call it quits. This place sits on a hill. Down the road about 1/4 mile, there is a creek that is a least 20' below where I am working. On the opposite side there is a pond that is also about 20' lower. I am assuming the higher elevation would make the depth of the aquifer father down. The creek I referred to used to be crystal clear water about 6" deep and a white sand bottom. In the summer we would go wading in it to cool off. This was early 1960's. It was full of fresh water mussels. Great place until they logged the woods in the early 80's. No clear water or white sand bottom any more. Just mud and growth. Thanks again for you input.

 

[Reach4]

Thank you for your input. (keep driving or find a better spot) It's as simple as that, but, I still hate to face that reality. I've been thinking I would go to around 30' (if I can) before I call it quits.

If your sister would use the well for the house, or if irrigation is important enough, AND if the village would allow it, you could have a 4 or 5 inch well drilled to maybe 50 ft, and put a submersible pump in. Lots of water. No priming.

For a sandpoint, consider searching for people who used a jackhammer to drive the pipe.

 

[Bannerman]

I am assuming the higher elevation would make the depth of the aquifer father down.

Not necessarily. Sometimes, water maybe obtained at the top of a hill at fairly shallow depth, whereas water maybe substantially deeper rn a valley or flat area.

 

[decar]

If your sister would use the well for the house, or if irrigation is important enough, AND if the village would allow it, you could have a 4 or 5 inch well drilled to maybe 50 ft, and put a submersible pump in. Lots of water. No priming.

For a sandpoint, consider searching for people who used a jackhammer to drive the pipe.

Thank you for the input. She has city water for the house. She uses rain barrels for vegetable garden. The municipal water in her area is expensive, especially when you use over a certain amount. The shallow well is to help replenish the rain barrels during dry times, so it would not justify the cost of a more elaborate system. And where the garden is located, there is no road for a drilling rig to gain access. If it keeps raining like in the last week, she want need rain barrels or well. But with dog days ahead, she could run dry. Parch a garden in a hurry. I have seen videos on youtube of men using a jachhammer to drive sandpoints. And very effectively. But I don't know anyone in the area that does that. If I were younger, a lot younger, I would rent one. But at this stage of the game, that is no longer an option. Heavy work!! I'll drive a few more feet and see what I come up with. Thanks again for the help. Much appreciated.