Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:34 pm
Groundwater wells can be a goldmine. But where is drilling really worthwhile? And how can the water be used?
Flowers, vegetables, meadows and trees: Anyone who owns a large garden without a well can tell you a thing or two about expensive tap water. Especially in hot summers, watering with drinking water often costs the household budget several hundred euros. This is because wastewater costs are also incurred, regardless of whether it flows back into the sewer system or seeps into the ground. And from a purely ecological point of view, the noble wet from the tap for cabbage, stalks and co. is pure waste anyway.
A groundwater well is the alternative in the garden and offers even more advantages. With a suitable filter system, the self-produced water can also be used for the cistern, washing machine and cleaning. If, in addition, a drinking water analysis shows it to be safe, the well water is also good for drinking, cooking or bathing.
Groundwater: good reasons and counter-arguments
But free as the groundwater is the well drilling by no means. First of all, a soil expertise should be prepared to clarify how deep drilling is necessary. It is also important to determine the soil conditions. Because it depends on it, which techniques and tools are needed. Such a soil survey plus drinking water analysis can easily cost a thousand euros or more. However, it saves time-consuming and cost-intensive failed attempts.
In addition, permission must be obtained “from above” for drilling into the depths. The responsible authorities are the city or municipal administration or the lower water authority. The regulations vary from state to state: here, a notification is sufficient, there, expert opinions and certificates are required. To avoid unnecessary dealings with the authorities, it is worth asking the local specialist companies. They often take care of the formalities as well as the construction.
Drilling, shafts: Not all wells are the same
The question remains as to what type of well is to be constructed: a simple dug well or, for example, a drilled well. For the former, only the soil must be excavated down to the groundwater. The upper end remains open. The disadvantage is dirt from the surface that gets into the water. Therefore, the dug well water is suitable only for the plants. Cleaner is the cool water from the closed bore well: Here, a pipe is driven to a water vein and the uncontaminated water is pumped up. However, these and other types of wells can hardly be built without helpers: Their labor and the cost of materials must be calculated in any case. The safest way to drive – that is, drill or dig – is to compare the offers of local well construction companies.