Pros and cons of wells and wells for a dacha, at home, which is better. How to choose a water supply for your home: well or well, which is better Water supply from a well or well

Well builders are ready to present many arguments that would prove that such structures are a brilliant invention. If you turn to specialists from companies involved in drilling wells, you will be able to hear from them your advantages and disadvantages of the mentioned water source. And you, in turn, can independently decide for yourself the question of what is better - a well or a borehole. Pros and cons, user reviews will allow you to understand this.

The main advantages of wells: minimal costs and versatility

It is worth recognizing that wells are quite often used in suburban areas, this is due to a number of advantages that these structures have. Among the advantages, minor installation costs should be highlighted. You can dig a well without the use of heavy equipment; any villager, gardener or summer resident will be able to cope with this.

You can purchase a pump for a well at an affordable price; this equipment will cost less than what is used in a well. If you still cannot decide for yourself which is better - a well or a well, it is recommended to consider the pros and cons of these structures. Among the advantages of the well, one can also highlight its versatility. This quality lies in its relevance for those areas where power outages are quite common.

Why else should you choose a well?

A well or borehole, the pros and cons of which are recommended to be considered before starting work, must be equipped correctly. In this case, we are talking more about a well, which, if all the rules are followed, will be ready to serve for a long time, it can be used for about half a century, during this period you will be able to get tasty and fresh water that does not contain chlorine, and also does not has a rusty taste.

Disadvantages of wells: the possibility of water contamination and the need for maintenance

It also happens that suburban areas are located close to the city, where the environmental situation is quite deplorable. This cannot but affect the quality of water. The source of filling the well is the aquifer; it is located at a depth of 5 to 30 m, where groundwater flows. After floods and rain, they are not always of high quality.

When summer residents think about what is better - a well or a borehole, they carefully consider the pros and cons, and the disadvantages of wells. Among the latter, it is certainly worth highlighting the need for timely care and periodic use. If you operate the well irregularly, then within 4 years silt will appear in it. Among other things, the walls must be thoroughly washed and cleaned twice a year. If necessary, treat with disinfectants and replace the bottom filter.

Why summer residents refuse wells

As you know, the well is filled with surface water, the volume of water supply is limited to approximately 250 liters per hour. If you need to provide water to a small cottage, then the specified amount may simply not be enough. After all, you will have to not only water the green spaces and garden, but also fill the pool, as well as solve many household problems. Thus, for larger areas this volume of water will not be enough.

Benefits of wells

If you are also deciding what is better - a well or a borehole, the pros and cons, the advantages of these systems are definitely worth considering. All the reasons why you should choose a well or abandon it have been discussed above, now it’s time to get acquainted with the main advantages of wells. Since ancient times, spring water has been considered the cleanest and healthiest. The well is fed with water from the depths of the earth; the liquid there does not mix with the surface meltwater. That is why, if you decide to build a well, you will get a unique opportunity to use a high-quality product.

Additional advantages of wells include hygiene. The system has a narrow neck that is closed with a lid, which prevents leaves, debris and small animals from getting inside. Insects and amphibians cannot penetrate through a narrow pipe. In the case of wells, they quite often become the cause of rotting processes, which contributes to the proliferation of microbes dangerous to human health. If you are considering a well or borehole as a potential source of water, it is recommended to evaluate the pros and cons of these structures. For example, a well is famous for its high volume of water reserves. This distinguishes it from a well. The latter is quite often built on clay, while the sand layer allows for high water yield and a stable flow of water. According to experts, in sandy soils the supply of water is almost inexhaustible, and it is precisely on such layers that, as a rule, wells are drilled.

Why else is it worth choosing a well?

If the well is equipped according to all the rules, then its care will be reduced only to monitoring the operation of special equipment. This design will not require annual cleaning. Water can be purified by installing a filter. If you still cannot decide what will be better for you - a well or a borehole, the pros and cons of these devices should be considered. For example, among the additional advantages of wells, one should highlight their rather long service life, which can reach 50 years or more. Everything will depend on how well the work was carried out. It is also impossible not to take into account timely maintenance and the chemical composition of the pumped water.

The main disadvantages of the well

Summer residents sometimes refuse wells for the reason that they can be quite expensive. When it comes to a sand well, you can get by with low costs, because most of the work will be done yourself. But the arrangement of an artesian system involves financial costs. The cost also depends on the time of year, drilling depth and equipment used. It is necessary to add to the expense item the costs of the head, pumping equipment and

Disadvantages of a well: possible smell of water

You can choose for a long time which is better - a well or a borehole; the pros and cons of these systems are described in the article. Perhaps these factors will help you make your choice. As practice shows, when the material used for constructing a pipe is not very high-quality steel, the water in the well can acquire a metallic taste and a rusty color. There is no single correct solution to this issue. You can be guided by your own opinion, taking into account the allocated budget, as well as the frequency of use of the structure. If your priority is low cost and ease of installation and operation, then it is better to choose a well, while for solving domestic needs that require the need to obtain a large volume of water, it is better to prefer a well.

Comparative review of a well and a well

If you, too, can be classified as one of those summer residents who decide what is better - a well or a borehole, the pros and cons, it is recommended to consider photos of these devices. If we think objectively, then comparing these structures is incorrect. When it comes to a relatively primitive one, even in this case it will be superior to a modern well in matters of manufacturability. In addition, the construction of the well should be carried out with an eye on the location of the septic tank. According to the standards, there should be 200 m or more between these systems; this is hardly possible on an area of ​​8 acres. Whereas with the help of a well these problems can be solved.

The fact that it will be cheaper to dig a well is also important, but it is questionable. A shaft 10 rings deep, which is standard, will cost a summer resident $1000, which is not that expensive, but there is no need to talk about the high quality of water from such a well. This is due to the fact that it will be only a slightly filtered product of human activity. In spring, the water will become completely cloudy, and its level will depend on seasonal fluctuations. It also happens that in summer the water completely disappears. For this reason, this method of saving can be called questionable. If you are still deciding which is better - a well or a borehole, the pros and cons, a comparative review will allow you to understand it. For example, a well also has its disadvantages, which were discussed above. Therefore, when choosing a specific option, it is necessary to take into account not only the material side of the issue, but also the sanitary requirements prescribed by the standards.

Factors influencing the choice of water source

When quite high demands are placed on the quality of water, and the volume must cover all needs (despite the fact that the material side of the issue is not very important), the optimal solution would be If, ​​when examining the site, you notice that the groundwater level is too high or low, then a well on the sand will be the only right solution, because its arrangement will not require unnecessary expenses or great effort. Such conditions can persist in swampy areas where the groundwater level lies 3 m from the ground surface.

If you still haven’t decided which is better - a well or a well, you should definitely evaluate the pros and cons of these devices yourself, based on the opinions of experts. Thus, if the groundwater in the area lies at a depth of 5 to 10 m, then you can safely start digging a well. However, it is recommended to first obtain data from neighbors or geologists for this, because water from such a depth is allowed to be used not only for domestic needs, but also for drinking.

Advantages of some wells

Summer is still far away, but some summer residents are thinking about what is better - a well or a borehole, the pros and cons, disadvantages and advantages of wells they are considering for this. But before that, you need to figure out what types of wells exist; among them, one of the most popular is the Abyssinian well. Its advantages are a short time for arrangement, the possibility of construction in the basement or in another room, the tightness of the structure and high productivity.

A well or a well (pros and cons, types of wells are discussed in the article) - you can choose yourself, but you can also first consider a filter well, which is drilled into sand. The arrangement is carried out in just one day, and small-sized equipment can be used for this. As a result, you will be able to use water with minimal iron content.

Not all owners of private houses can connect to main communications. A well or borehole is used to supply water to the site. The source will ensure the receipt of a sufficient amount of water and its uninterrupted supply. When choosing, pay attention to the complexity of the procedure and cost, take into account the purposes of use and operating conditions of the system. It will provide comfort in the house by watering the garden plot in the summer. If the structure is properly equipped and periodically maintained, it will serve well for many years.

Source device

The design is selected based on the characteristics of the soil in the area and the depth of the aquifers. An affordable solution to the problem would be a traditional well. Its diameter depends on the depth (minimum value - 70 cm). The structure is easy to maintain, clean, and repair.

The productivity of the well depends on the diameter. If you pump out the water, it will appear again after some time. To lift it, they use hand tools and a special electric pump.

Village well

Having determined the pros and cons of designs, choose the appropriate option. Wells differ from wells by having a smaller diameter; they are protected from contamination by layers of soil. Artesian springs are more than 50 meters deep. The water in them is characterized by high hardness and flows constantly.

A sand well is cheaper and the drilling procedure does not take much time. Small-sized equipment is used for work. There is no need to obtain a license to drill a well.

Place for the source

Before starting work, it is necessary to determine the depth and extent of the aquifer. If there are similar buildings nearby, it is not difficult to find out. Exploratory drilling is considered a reliable way to determine the location for source equipment.

Types of layers:

1. Verkhovodka. The amount of water depends on precipitation. It lies at a depth of up to 4 meters. It is used for irrigation and other technical purposes.
2. At a depth of 10-40 meters there is groundwater. They are used by people for household purposes and drinking. Their use is allowed after cleaning.
3. Artesian waters are found at depth. They are safe to drink, but contain additional impurities.

A traditional well is dug at a distance of 25 meters from the source of pollution (drain pit, bathhouse). For a well, this parameter is 15 meters. It is often drilled where a house is being built. This reduces installation costs, but causes difficulties if the structure needs to be repaired. The well is dug at a distance of 15 meters from the house to prevent flooding of the building. This source requires a large area; it is not located near roads with heavy traffic.

Drilling exploration wells

Water quality

As a result of human activity, natural objects are polluted. Shallow springs carry contaminants. The lower aquifers are protected by clay and sand. The quality of water in wells is low due to human waste products entering the soil, rivers, and lakes. The deeper the water is taken, the better the natural filtration.

The average well is dug to a depth of 5-10 meters, and a well is drilled to a depth of 15-30 meters. The quality of water in a well depends on the following factors:

• height of the source relative to the surrounding area;
• terrain parameters;
• presence of industrial enterprises;
• level of seasonal pollution.

Water is drawn from the well using a pump, which isolates the neck from the external environment. If the situation in the area is unfavorable, and the owner of the site does not want to limit himself to watering, it is better to choose a well. Water from deep intakes is cleaner than from alternative sources.

Filter sand wells

Amount of water

An average of 4,000 liters of water are pumped out of a well per day. The indicator may change downward. The well has a stable flow rate. The calculation for the object is carried out by adding up the costs. One person uses 200 liters of water per day. This value is multiplied by the number of people living in the house.

Be sure to take into account how often guests are in the house, and provide for the possibility of increasing the family. To the result obtained, the costs of watering the garden, vegetable garden, and car washing are added. If there is a swimming pool on the property and a large family lives in the house, then a well will not be enough. In this case, they choose a well and turn to specialists for help. The artesian spring is capable of providing water to several houses; a license is required for it. The well is used as a backup option for low water consumption.

System arrangement

Drilling a well requires special equipment, and you can’t do it without the help of experts. The well is dug manually; this work can be done independently or by hiring workers. It's hard work that takes a lot of time. A minimum of two people will be needed to complete the task. One works in the well, and the second takes out a container with soil.

Drilling a well is much easier; the process is carried out by machine. When arranging a structure, access for equipment and space for materials is required. The wells are equipped with electric pumps. The choice of devices depends on the water level at the source and seasonal changes. Without a connection to the power grid, the well will not work. Water will become unavailable. And you can always get it out of the well using a bucket.

Pumping station for wells

Small animals, leaves, and tree fruits can fall into the well through the top. It is closed to prevent foreign objects from entering it. The quality of its water is checked several times a year due to the variable composition of the water. The well is less susceptible to external factors. It is protected from outside debris, so it will be the best option for a suburban area.

Durability and cost of source

How long the source will have water depends on various factors. There are more known cases of wells drying up than examples of water running out in a well. It may stop working due to wear of parts and silting. Wells are serviced more often than boreholes.

Water may remain in a certain horizon for a long time or disappear soon. The cause could be a new well in a neighboring area or soil shift. The productivity of the source depends on similar structures located nearby. A water main is installed to supply water to the house. Installing a pump and laying pipes is a complex procedure, so you will need the help of professionals.

The cost of constructing a well depends on the depth of the shaft, work, materials, and delivery. The price of a well depends on the location of the site, the diameter of the pipe, and the type of source. Drilling requires financial costs.

Well digging installation

Advantages and disadvantages of a well

An affordable way to extract water is to build a source at a shallow depth. A well with a simple design provides access to the upper aquifer.

• ease of use;
• visual monitoring of water condition;
• complete autonomy.

The well is used to obtain water from silty sands; a well is not used in such soil. At a relatively shallow depth, a high flow rate is obtained.

Disadvantages of using a well:

1. Setting up this source takes a lot of time.
2. It is necessary to decide where to put the excavated soil.
3. Depth limitation.

The well shaft is lined with bricks or reinforced concrete rings are purchased. In both cases, a leak may appear. Wells are dug during the dry season, when water sinks to the lower layers. The disadvantage of this source is the impossibility of obtaining water from the second and next aquifers. Regular cleaning of the building is required.

Septic wells

Advantages and disadvantages of the well

This method of water supply is more expensive, but it is considered a reliable option. Installation is possible on site and indoors. The design ensures tightness when accessing water, which eliminates contamination during operation.

• efficiency of arrangement of water supply source;
• getting into layers with clean water;
• better water quality.

Thanks to the possibility of constructing wells at great depths, clean water is obtained. The owners have a constant supply of water, regardless of the time of year.

• in the absence of electricity there is no water supply;
• difficulty in replacing equipment.

If the well is not used constantly, it silts up. Drilling must be done by professionals; this requires special equipment. To get a complete picture and determine the appropriate method of water supply, we compare the designs used for private households.

Comparative characteristics of water supply sources

	Well	Well
Water quality	The water is clean, it is protected by layers of rocks.	The water is close to the surface of the earth, and polluted runoff enters it.
Obtaining a license	Only for artesian sources.	No documentation required.
Amount of water	High flow rate, not subject to seasonal changes.	Low flow rate, seasonal dependence.
Water quality	Good quality, but contains impurities.	Low quality.
Exploitation	Rare service.	Frequent cleaning is required.
Price	The cost of drilling is higher than the cost of constructing a well.	Low cost, its value depends on the depth of the source.

What is the best source of water supply?

The choice of option depends on the owner of the site. The choice of water supply method is influenced by the type of soil, location of the site, depth of the aquifer, planned water consumption, and cost of the method. Reliable information can be easily obtained from neighbors who use an autonomous water supply.

If it is not possible to extract water from a great depth on a site, they dig a well. It will collect water and will have to be purified. If neighbors use a well, it is worth choosing it for water supply. After carefully studying the pros and cons of the sources, we determine a suitable option for a suburban area. A well or borehole is used to extract water from the depths. If irrigation is organized on the site, an ordinary well will do.

A well is more expensive, but it is used to supply water to the entire house and surrounding area. It is distinguished by its convenience and ease of use. The well pays for itself during operation. A well is dug on a site in arid regions to ensure a constant supply of water. A reliable and durable source will be the key to a comfortable life in a country house.

Many people living in the private sector strive to equip a water source on their estate.

After all, a good and high-quality source of water is the key to comfortable living in the house.

This could be a well or a borehole.

The choice is determined by several factors: the geological features of the site, the required debit, and the financial capabilities of the owner.

First, it is necessary to mention what kind of water exists under the surface of the earth. Its quality and volume depend on this.

1. Verkhodka is the layer of water that is least buried. It is usually less than 3-4 meters away. The water supply is replenished when the snow melts or when there is heavy rain. Water contains contaminants from the surface of the earth. Such a source is suitable at best for agricultural and technical needs. During the dry season it dries out.
2. Groundwater is located deeper than the perched water and is limited from below by the first impermeable layer. They are most often used for wells and shallow wells. This underground source is fed by filtering water from the surface, so the liquid is not always suitable for drinking and requires periodic chemical and microbiological analysis.
3. Interformational waters protected by rock on both sides almost along the entire length, so such a source is better protected from external influences. The depth at which these underground waters are located exceeds 10 meters. Both wells and boreholes can be installed on this horizon. The water is usually slightly mineralized, cleaner, from a microbiological point of view, than groundwater and perched water
4. Artesian waters- This is a type of interlayer type. The aquifer usually extends below 100 m and is enclosed between layers of rock and is a pressure source. When a waterproof roof is opened, water rises up the column and often flows like a fountain above the surface of the earth. This is a high-debit source, which is often characterized by high mineralization. However, in terms of microbiological composition it is ideal.

Thus, waters at different depths differ from each other in their composition. Another important feature is the productivity of the well and well. This characteristic determines not only the suitability of the source for providing water to a home, but also the required performance of water-lifting equipment.

In most cases, a well is more productive than a well. The last maximum per hour can produce 0.5 m 3 of water. The productivity of a gerbil is on average 1 m3. The most abundant water is the artesian, it can be used to supply water to an entire village.

Wells and wells differ in other properties.

Well as an inexpensive but reliable source

For water supply to a small private house, preference is given to a well, the depth of which depends on the location of the vein. But it is not profitable to resort to this method of extracting underground water if you have to go deeper than 15 meters.

You can use high water if well water is needed only for watering the garden. But you need to take into account that in dry times you may be deprived of water.

By the way, exactly the driest time of the year is preferable for arranging a well source. It is usually advised to carry out the whole process in the fall, then the earth is better suited for digging, and you will be able to get to the lower vein, which contains clean water for a long time.

Installation is carried out usually according to the following scheme.

1. Purchase the required number of rings. This value depends on the depth of the structure. To determine the level of the aquifer, it is better to contact geologists. A simpler, but less reliable option is to talk to neighbors who already have a well.
2. At the chosen location install the first ring.
3. The soil is removed inside the ring. They also dig from the outside to make it possible to level the column and seal it.
4. The rings gradually fall down under their own weight.
5. The next element is placed on top, connecting with the previous one. All joints must be sealed, since water will only have to come from below from the aquifer.
6. A hole is pre-made in the penultimate ring for connecting the outlet pipeline if you plan to supply water directly to the house using a pump.
7. After reaching the aquifer equip a bottom pebble filter.
8. A clay castle is made around the ring on top, the head of the well must have at least a lid. You can build a stylized house.

Installation of the well is quite simple, but labor-intensive. Operating the source is not difficult either. There are 2 options for raising water:

• it is possible to install pumping equipment, both surface and deep, depending on the depth of the mine;
• using the old-fashioned method - a reel with a bucket or a “crane”.

Periodically, the well needs to be pumped and the bottom filter cleaned. Sometimes it is necessary to deepen the mine.

Negative qualities of a well are:

• small debit;
• high probability of water contamination from outside, including microbiological agents;
• in case of installation errors may enter well water and dirty water;
• the well takes up more space on the surface than a well.

However, despite all the disadvantages, the well also has a number of positive qualities:

• low price arrangement;
• availability of materials and tools;
• ease of maintenance(cleaning and replacing pumping equipment);
• possibility of manual water lifting in the absence of electricity.

Wells - expensive, but high quality and convenient

Compared to a well the well is more technologically advanced and has several advantages:

• greater productivity;
• closedness of the source from external influences;
• less occupied area.

Otherwise, the characteristics of the well depend on its type.

Abyssinian well

“Abyssinka” is actually not a well, but a needle well. Its last name is associated with its form. The well has an inch shaft, which tapers downwards, where it eventually turns into a filter and a pointed tip.

Water lifting equipment is installed at the top. This can be an electric or manual pump.

The arrangement of such a source can be done with your own hands.. The process involves clogging a mine and gradually building it up until it reaches the aquifer. The depth of such a source does not exceed 12 m, which is due to the capabilities of the surface pump.

The Abyssinian well has several advantages:

• simplicity and low installation price;
• possibility of arrangement inside the house in the basement, as well as moving to another place in case of siltation;
• good performance, allowing you to provide a small house with water;
• ability to work without electricity with a hand pump.

To the negative characteristics needle wells include:

• impossibility of driving in rocky soils;
• depth limitation(the water surface should not be lower than 8 m).

Filter well

If the aquifer is located at a depth of 10 to 50 m in the sand layer, then a filter or sand well is installed. It consists of several elements:

• casing pipe, which simultaneously plays the role of water supply;
• bottom filter;
• submersible pump;
• head.

You can arrange such a source yourself, but it is better to trust the professionals. This is especially true for pump installation.

Source performance suitable for small home. But a sand well has several negative qualities:

• reduction in debit in the case of using the same aquifer with a neighbor;
• the need for annual filter cleaning and year-round operation;
• service life does not exceed 15 years.

Artesian well

"Artesian" is the most debiting well. The water in it is maximally protected from the negative influence of the external environment. But this does not mean that the quality of the liquid meets the standards. Water treatment is often necessary in the form of softening, iron removal and demanganization, which requires additional costs and allocation of space for installing filters.

Another disadvantage is the need to obtain permits for drilling, which, by the way, cannot be done on our own, since we have to go very deep.

That's why this source is also the most expensive. In addition, the well, namely the pumping equipment, requires annual maintenance.

Sometimes an artesian well is the best option. For example, for large houses. You can connect a whole group of houses, while the costs of drilling and arrangement are significantly reduced. Moreover, this source will last a long time.

Price issue

The cost of the well is the lowest. One reinforced concrete ring is estimated at approximately 1.5 thousand rubles excluding delivery. Usually you need about 10 pieces. You also need to add the price of waterproofing. If you plan to lift the water manually, then the price of the pump is added, which is about 10 thousand rubles.

A ready-made kit for an Abessinian well without water-lifting equipment will cost 5-10 thousand rubles, depending on the depth. You can prepare all the elements yourself, which will slightly reduce the cost. A turnkey needle well is estimated at approximately 25-30 thousand rubles.

The main costs when installing a sand well are:

• drilling, which is determined by the type of soil and is estimated at approximately 1.5 thousand rubles per linear meter;
• submersible pump, which can cost 10,000 rubles or more.

A turnkey filter well costs approximately 200 thousand rubles

For drilling each linear meter of an artesian well you will have to pay an average of 2.5 thousand rubles, and you will have to go 100 meters or more deep.

It is expensive to obtain permits and licensing, which can amount to 300 thousand rubles.

Thus the final the price of an artesian can exceed 500 thousand rubles.

There are only two ways to organize water supply for a private house if there is no central water supply network connected to it, this is to build either a well or a borehole. Therefore, the question of which is better – a well or a borehole – worries many novice suburban developers. To understand the question posed, it is necessary to understand the structure of both structures, and what kind of water can be extracted from each.

Wells

This is a brilliant invention of mankind, which it has been using for thousands of years. They are usually dug out manually to the nearest aquifer-resistant dense layer, into which they are necessarily buried 0.5-2.0 m. Above the aquifer there is an aquifer, which becomes the source of consumed water.

Well

Most often, wells are circular recesses with a diameter of 0.5-1.5 m; they are also found with a rectangular cross-section. The depth depends on the location of the aquifer, approximately no deeper than 15 m. The most important thing is to understand that the well is not a source of water, which is taken from the perched water. Because water from this layer cannot be used for drinking or for domestic needs. Verkhovodka is mainly used for watering green spaces.

The volume of water in the well directly depends on the amount of precipitation. Therefore, in summer and winter the level drops; if the well is not very deep, then there is a high probability that it dries up during this time. Previously, various containers were used to raise water; today, pumps are installed in wells.

Advantages and disadvantages of wells

The biggest advantage of wells is their ease of construction. Everything is done by hand using shovels. Of course, the walls of the wells must be lined so that the soil does not fall into the water. Previously, boards were used for this; today, more durable materials are used: stone, blocks, bricks, and so on. More zealous owners use ready-made reinforced concrete rings for this, which are installed on top of each other.

Well construction

Another advantage is versatility. Unfortunately, power outages in suburban villages are common, so wells simply do not work at such times. And the well can be used without problems.

If you approach the construction correctly, the well will faithfully serve for 50 years and even more if you take care of it. At the same time, water from the first water-bearing layer (not from the perched water) is always clean, without a metallic taste or rust.

As for the shortcomings, there are several of them.

• The biggest one is the small volume of water. Most often, this figure does not exceed 150 l/hour. True, this amount is enough to provide water for a small country house, but it is no longer enough to water the plants. Especially if you need to fill the pool.
• There is always a risk of water contamination. Usually, wells are covered only with decorative structures, which save them only from debris and precipitation. But unfavorable environmental conditions affect the aquifer located close to the ground. So the same sediments quickly penetrate into the formation, where they drag with them all substances harmful to humans. Therefore, it is very important that the well is constructed as a sealed structure. True, this does not always save.
• Periodic cleaning. If water intake from a well is not constant, it quickly silts up. But even with constant water sampling, it must always be kept clean. And you will have to do this with your own hands, going down inside the structure, and using your hands, scoops and other devices to collect silt from the bottom, put it in a bucket or other container, and pull it to the surface. Not the most pleasant procedure, but you can’t do without it. The well must be cleaned at least once a year. The well should be cleaned once every three years.

Depth of wells and boreholes

Wells

It is necessary to start with the fact that there are two types of wells: sand and artesian. They differ from each other in the depth of drilling. Sandy ones are drilled up to 50 m, artesian ones up to 300 m. In this case, pipes with a diameter of 133-500 m are used as casing in the first case, and in the second or more. But it should also be noted that the depth of the aquifers may not be very deep. For example, artesian water can be found at a depth of 10-15 m, and this is confirmed by springs gushing from underground. In such places, wells are usually deep with clean water.

Well

As for the wells themselves, sand wells are usually completely dependent on precipitation, just like wells. True, their horizon can extend over long distances and occupy a large area, which provides it with a huge volume of water. In this regard, artesian ones are independent. They always have clean water in large quantities. But the costs of its construction are many times higher.

Such a well will have to be drilled only with the use of special equipment. These can be either stationary drilling rigs or vehicle-based ones. The depth of such a well in some cases can reach 150 m. This is a complex engineering structure that will require not only the use of additional equipment during construction, but also powerful deep-well pumps. Other models, in particular surface models, are not suitable for raising water to such a height. Therefore, if you do not take into account the financial factor, organization is the best possible option.

Advantages

If we consider the pros and cons of wells, then first of all it is necessary to note the serious volume of water in them. This is not comparable to the volume that is in the well. And this is a big plus. Secondly, it is clean water, which penetrates into the ground through several layers, which represent a natural filter.

At the same time, the well design itself is a casing pipe of small diameter, which maintains the hygiene of the structure’s use. The narrow trunk, which is closed at the top by a cap, is a serious obstacle to the entry of debris, soil or natural precipitation. Insects, worms, and small amphibians, which, once in the pipe, will die and begin to decompose there, will not get there either. And this is already serious pollution, which will require cleaning of the well and its disinfection.

Clean water from the depths of the earth

Ease of maintenance is also an advantage of wells. In principle, you don’t need to do anything with it. You just need to periodically monitor the equipment to monitor its efficient operation. That is why, that is, constant water intake, guarantees its long-term operation, which often exceeds 50 years. Of course, this indicator is influenced by the chemical composition of well water, competently carried out drilling and construction, and properly carried out technical inspection. But basically, a drilled well is operated without human intervention.

Flaws

What can you say about the shortcomings? The most important of them is the drilling process and construction itself. And the deeper you have to drill, the more expensive the well costs the owner. For example, the sand option is cheaper than the artesian one, because its depth is much less. In this case, the drilling process can be carried out with your own hands using portable drilling rigs. And although they are expensive, rental services are currently offered, which significantly reduces the cost of constructing a sand well.

With artesian everything is much more complicated. You can’t do it without special drilling equipment, so you’ll have to forget about doing the work yourself. You will have to call specialists who will not only drill and equip the well, but also install all the necessary equipment, plus they will give you a passport for the well.

Attention! Artesian water is legally the property of the state because it is a natural resource. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain a license to drill an artesian well. Such a well is registered in the state register.

To the costs of organizing water intake from a well, one must add the cost of casing pipes, pumping equipment and the price of the head.

Filtration of water from a well

And other disadvantages.

• Often water from great depths is saturated with salts of various metals. At the same time, manganese and calcium salts create hardness, and iron increases the corrosive properties of water. Therefore, purification filters are installed for water from wells, with the help of which a normal concentration of metal impurities is achieved.
• If low-quality casing pipes have been selected, then over time the well will produce water with a metallic taste, and sometimes with a rusty tint.

Final choice

So, the question of which is better - a well or a well in the countryside - has been posed. All the advantages and disadvantages of each water intake structure are analyzed. Now you need to make a choice. In principle, the question itself is posed incorrectly, because, as practice shows, the choice is made from two positions.

• Construction costs.
• Intensity of use.

If you are installing a water intake system for a small dacha, which is visited periodically, and more often in the summer, then there is no point in installing a complex and expensive installation. You can dig a well, line it with stone, install a small submersible pump in it, for example, the Malysh brand, and you can use water all summer without problems.

Well or well

If a water supply system is being installed for a country house in which several people permanently live, then the well will not cope with the task assigned to it. It is too small, there is a small volume of water in it, so it is ideal to drill a well, preferably an artesian one. Of course, you will have to take care of the water treatment unit, where you need to install multi-stage filtration. But all the costs are worth it. Ultimately, the house and the people living in it receive an almost unlimited amount of clean water for half a century or more.

In order to determine which is better - a well or a well, you need not only to study their advantages and disadvantages, but also to consider each option in your specific case.

Since whether a source will fully reveal its potential depends not only on its theoretical advantages, but also on the hydrological situation in a particular area.

1 Comparison of well and borehole

In general, it is better to create a well in regions with a clean environment and clay soil. In the case of sandy rocks, it makes sense - there will be much fewer problems with its operation. Also a well or better suited for polluted regions.

Let's look at the strengths and weaknesses of each technology in detail.

Pros of the well:

• Long service life. If there are no problems with water flow at the site, then we can talk about a minimum fifty-year period of use of the well, which exceeds the service life of the well (20-25 years).
• Cleaning and repair work on the well can be done with your own hands, since it has a sufficient diameter to penetrate inside.
• There is no need to purchase expensive submersible pumps. Getting water from a well can be done with your own hands, using a conventional winch mechanism.
• at the dacha can be done with your own hands, which significantly reduces the cost of implementing the project, since there is no need to rent professional drilling equipment.
• There are no restrictions on use: when the electricity is turned off, a well simply becomes useless - since without light, submersible pumps do not work, and there is nothing to get water from. Water can be extracted from a well using a bucket.

The well also has disadvantages.

A large number of factors affecting water quality. The purity of the water greatly depends on the depth of the well, as well as its location. Typical pollutants are particles of the soil layer: sand, clay and other mechanical substances.

To obtain clean water, in most cases, you will have to buy additional filtering equipment.

Limited well depth. When creating a well with your own hands, you can count on a depth of 5 to 10 meters; even when using special equipment, it is difficult to make a well deeper than 20 meters.

Limited water intake. Since wells are filled using surface water, you cannot count on high water replenishment efficiency (about 150-250 liters per hour). Of course, this will be more than enough for the domestic needs of a small house, but there will hardly be enough water to water the garden or fill the pool.

The instability of the surface aquifer may cause a decrease in water flow, or its absence altogether.

The main advantages of wells:

• will become a supplier of unlimited quantities of pure water, saturated with all the minerals necessary for health.
• Greater productivity and water yield. Drilling a well to an artesian aquifer allows you to build 3-4 full-fledged water supply points inside the house from one source.
• Unlimited depth.
• Minimum time spent on well development.

The well also has disadvantages.

It’s worth mentioning right away that the disadvantages of a well vary greatly depending on its type - in the case of a sand well, the disadvantages will be the same, but if we talk about an artesian well, they will be completely different:

• High cost of development - drilling a well can only be done by specialists if they have the necessary equipment.
• Sand wells do not have a long service life; at best, it will be 10-15 years. If we talk about artesian wells, everything is much better here - they can last 30-40 years.
• Dependence on external factors. When there is a power outage, submersible pumps become useless, and it is impossible to extract water from the well with your own hands.
• When used infrequently, sand wells become contaminated very quickly.
• Good submersible pumps are expensive, and they have poor maintainability.

The water provided by an artesian well cannot be called impeccably clean - it contains practically no mechanical pollutants (sand, clay, etc.).

But in artesian water, in comparison with the surface aquifer, there is a large amount of mineral salts, some of which are the cause of hard water. So you still have to take care of iron removal and water softening.

2 Intermediate options

Attempts have been made repeatedly to combine the main advantages of both designs, many of which ended unsuccessfully.

But there are two not entirely traditional sources of autonomous water supply for houses and cottages that are worth paying attention to: the Abyssinian well (borehole well) and the caisson (well for a well).

2.1 What is an Abyssinian well?

The Abyssinian well consists of a pipe 10-15 m long (sometimes it is important to drill deeper workings - for example, a borehole 25-30 meters long), on the lower part of which there is a special needle-shaped perforated tip.

Special pumps are installed on the upper section of the pipe, which pump water into the system.

The Abyssinian well differs from the classical well in the smaller diameter of the casing pipe, but at the same time, the Abyssinian well is in no way inferior to it in productivity, since water intake in such a system occurs on the principle of forced suction (pumps inside the pipe are responsible for this), and not free inflow.

An Abyssinian well can be installed on any site (even in the basement of a house), since its arrangement does not require much space. In addition, the Abyssinian well has a minimal installation time: its drilling can be completed within 5-6 hours.

The only caveat is that you won’t be able to make a borehole yourself, since you need to use special drilling equipment.

2.2 Well for a well

A caisson (aka a well for a well) is more of an additional modification of a traditional well than an independent device. However, its creation helps to get rid of many of the problems that conventional wells have.

The well under the well is a kind of shield that protects submersible pumps from icing during the cold season. The caisson creates free space between the well elements and the soil, the freezing of which in winter becomes the main reason for the failure of the water supply system.

The well for the well is made of metal or with a diameter of 1 m. This is the optimal diameter, which, if necessary, allows you to carry out repair work with your own hands, and also provides the necessary properties of the entire protective structure.

The depth of the caisson corresponds to the depth of soil freezing in the coldest season, which is about 2-2.5 meters.

Having analyzed all the information received, we can conclude that both the well and the well are self-sufficient water supply systems, each of which can be the best option for a water source in the country.

Equipped well with a “house” on a summer cottage

It is simply impossible to say which is better - a well or a well; in order to draw any conclusions, it is necessary to take into account a number of accompanying factors.

If you have an unlimited budget and want to get water of the highest quality, then it makes sense to create an artesian well. Such a source will provide you with the cleanest possible water, but you need to remember that its arrangement will cost you a pretty penny.

You will have to buy expensive filtering devices that remove iron and soften water, and also, if the well fails, pay repair crews, since repairing the well yourself is quite problematic.

The well is suitable for those for whom financial issues are of paramount importance. Expensive pumps are not needed for its operation, and you can dig a well yourself without spending money on third-party services.

In general, a well is a more versatile option than a well, but you should be prepared for the fact that such a source may present a surprise in the form of heavily polluted water, which will require additional water treatment.

Although it is impossible to make an Abyssinian well with your own hands - whatever one may say, it requires specialists, and you also need to purchase pumps for supplying water, the time and financial costs of its arrangement are much less than the costs of a well and an ordinary well.

The Abyssinian well is better suited for those who lack free space or want the most simple and utilitarian device. An Abyssinian well is better than a well in terms of material costs and maintainability, and better than a well in terms of productivity and water flow.

In general, this option for a water supply source is worth paying attention to.

2.4 Which is better, a well or a borehole? (video)