If you live in a rural location, you may not be able to take advantage of piped utilities and may need to take matters into your own hands when it comes to your vital water resource. The good news is that plenty of water can be found within the aquifer, but you need to know where to look and importantly, what kind of water to retrieve. How should you proceed, as you look for the most reliable and most consistent resource?
Finding the H2O
When it rains, much of the water will permeate through various layers of soil and rock before it reaches one of many fractures further down. It may stay in this general location for decades at a time and will move slowly through each channel in the general direction of the ocean. Typically, you will find a number of different fractures set at intervals, and you will be able to bore a hole down through the rock and soil in order to locate them.
The Deeper the Better
In most cases, you should always try to get your water from a bore that is relatively deep, rather than one that is closer to the surface or is unconfined. Usually, the quality of the water will be superior the further it permeates and the more clay or soil that gets in the way. This material can act as a filter and will eliminate many sources of microbial contamination to present you with a better-quality alternative.
Be Suspicious of the Quality
Even though you live in a fairly remote location, the soil beneath your feet may not be as "virgin" as you might think. In the past, it may have been used for heavy industrial or agricultural purposes and could hide some of the associated pollution.
Alternatively, other properties in the vicinity could use a septic tank system, and this effluent may find its way down towards your water source. This is why you must always get your water tested by an approved laboratory before you use it, and be prepared to sink another bore to a different location if need be.
Location Is Everything
Just remember to be careful when you locate your well and try to place it on higher ground if possible. It's not a good idea to dig a well in the bottom of a gully, for example, as heavy rain could submerge the installation and could potentially contaminate the source.
Doing the Job Properly
It's always best to be sure before you begin, which is why you should deal with experienced contractors to help locate your water bores carefully. They may be able to recommend a testing resource for you as well.