Well... that's a deep subject!

Ya gotta have water...

Access to clean and reliable drinking water is essential, especially when venturing off-grid in the vast expanse of the Great Plains. In this article, we will explore the process of digging a well for drinking water, a vital resource for off-grid camping and survival in this region. From assessing water availability to understanding the various methods of well construction and water extraction, we will provide you with valuable insights and tips to ensure the safety and success of your well-digging endeavor.

Whether you're a seasoned off-grid enthusiast or a beginner looking to embrace self-sufficiency, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to tap into the hidden water sources beneath the Great Plains and secure a sustainable water supply for your off-grid adventures.  Always check with local authorities regarding any permits or regulations that may apply to hand-digging a well in your area. They can provide specific guidelines and requirements to ensure compliance with local laws.

Here are some of the key points to consider about a water well:

• Water Availability: Before digging a well, it's important to assess the water availability in your area. The Great Plains region generally has a high water table, making it suitable for well digging. However, it's always a good idea to consult with local authorities or a professional well driller to determine the best location for your well.
• Permits and Regulations: Check with your local authorities to understand the permits and regulations associated with well digging in your area. They can provide guidance on any specific requirements or restrictions you need to be aware of.
• Well Depth: The depth of your well will depend on various factors, including the water table level and the amount of water you require. In the Great Plains, the water table can vary, so it's important to consult with a professional well driller who can assess the specific conditions in your area and recommend an appropriate well depth.
• Well Construction: Wells can be constructed using different methods, such as hand-digging, drilling, or using a combination of both. Hand-digging is a labor-intensive process and may be suitable for shallow wells, while drilling is typically used for deeper wells. A professional well driller can guide you on the best construction method based on your specific needs.
• Water Quality: It's crucial to ensure the water from your well is safe for drinking. Regular water testing is recommended to check for any contaminants or impurities. You can contact your local health department or a certified laboratory to conduct water quality tests.
• Maintenance and Safety: Once your well is in place, regular maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity and the quality of the water. This includes periodic well inspections, cleaning, and disinfection. Additionally, it's important to follow safety guidelines when working around wells to prevent accidents or contamination.

Professional drilled well

One option is to hire professionals to do the job.  When hiring a company to drill a water well on your remote property, you can expect a comprehensive and professional service that ensures a reliable water supply. The process typically begins with an initial consultation, where the well drilling company assesses your specific needs, including water demand and property location. They will then conduct a site survey to determine the best location for drilling, taking into account factors such as water availability and geological conditions. 

Remember that if the property is remote or has less-than-optimal road access, the process can become more complicated or perhaps even impossoible for the professional to attempt with their larger equipment.

Once the drilling begins, specialized equipment is used to penetrate the ground and reach the water source. The depth of the well will depend on various factors, including the water table level and your specific requirements. 

Throughout the process, the well drilling company will adhere to safety protocols and ensure minimal disruption to your property. Upon completion, the company will test the water quality and provide any necessary maintenance instructions. 

By hiring a professional well drilling company, you can have peace of mind knowing that your remote property will have a reliable and safe water supply for your needs.

Hand Digging a well

Others may choose to hand-dig a well, or if we are in a full off-grid survival situation it may be the only option.  Hand-digging a well can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Here are some specific tips to ensure safety and increase your chances of success:

• Research and Planning: Before you start digging, thoroughly research the area where you plan to dig your well. Look for signs of water sources such as nearby streams, wetlands, or vegetation that thrives in moist conditions. This will help you identify potential locations with a higher likelihood of finding water.
• Safety Precautions: Prioritize safety throughout the entire process. Wear appropriate protective gear, including gloves, safety goggles, and a hard hat. Make sure to have a sturdy ladder or other means of safely entering and exiting the well. Keep the well site secure to prevent accidents or unauthorized access.
• Tools and Equipment: Gather the necessary tools and equipment for hand-digging a well. This may include shovels, pickaxes, buckets, and a well casing. Ensure that your tools are in good condition and suitable for the type of soil you'll be digging in.
• Digging Technique: Start by digging a narrow hole, gradually widening it as you go deeper. This will help prevent cave-ins and maintain stability. Remove soil and debris using buckets or a pulley system. Take breaks as needed to avoid exhaustion and maintain focus.
• Well Casing: Installing a well casing is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the well and preventing contamination. The casing should be made of durable material, such as PVC or steel, and extend above the ground level. It helps to keep the well walls from collapsing and protects the water source from surface contaminants.
• Water Testing: Once the well is dug, it's essential to test the water for quality and safety. Collect a sample and have it analyzed by a certified laboratory to ensure it meets drinking water standards. This step is crucial to ensure the water is safe for consumption.
• Regular Maintenance: After the well is in use, regular maintenance is necessary to keep it functioning properly. This includes periodic cleaning, disinfection, and inspection for any signs of damage or deterioration.

Remember, hand-digging a well can be physically demanding and time-consuming. It's important to assess your own capabilities and consider hiring a professional well driller if you have any doubts about your ability to complete the task safely and successfully.

Water extraction

There are several methods for extracting water from a well, each with its own advantages and
considerations. Here are a few common methods:

• Hand Pump: Hand pumps are a popular choice for off-grid wells, as they don't require electricity to operate. They typically consist of a pump mechanism connected to a handle, which is manually operated to draw water from the well. Hand pumps are reliable, low-maintenance, and can be a good option for areas with limited or no access to electricity.
• Electric Pump: Electric pumps are powered by electricity and are commonly used in wells connected to the electrical grid. They provide a consistent and reliable water supply, making them suitable for high-demand applications. Electric pumps can be submersible, meaning they are installed inside the well, or surface-mounted, where the pump is located above ground and connected to the well via pipes.
  
• Solar-Powered Pump: Solar-powered pumps are an environmentally friendly option that utilizes solar energy to power the pump. They are particularly well-suited for off-grid locations with ample sunlight. Solar pumps can be either submersible or surface-mounted, depending on the specific system design.
• Wind-Powered Pump: Wind-powered pumps harness the energy of the wind to pump water from the well. They consist of a windmill or turbine connected to a pump mechanism. Wind-powered pumps are suitable for areas with consistent wind patterns and can be an alternative to electric or solar-powered systems.
• Manual Bucket or Rope-and-Pulley: In some cases, a simple manual method of extracting water, such as using a bucket or a rope-and-pulley system, may be employed. This method is labor-intensive and typically used for shallow wells or in emergency situations where other options are not available.

When selecting an extraction method, consider factors such as the depth of the well, water demand, power availability, and budget. It's also important to ensure that the chosen method is compatible with the well's design and specifications.  Consulting with a professional well driller or a water systems expert can provide valuable guidance in selecting the most suitable extraction method for your specific well and needs.

Conclusion

Digging a well for drinking water in the Great Plains can provide a sustainable and reliable water source for off-grid camping and survival. By assessing water availability, understanding the well digging process, and considering various extraction methods, you can ensure a successful and safe well-digging endeavor. Remember to consult with local authorities and professionals who have expertise in well digging to ensure compliance with regulations and to receive specific guidance tailored to your location. 

Regular maintenance and water testing are essential to ensure the quality and safety of the water supply. With careful planning, proper execution, and ongoing maintenance, you can tap into the hidden water sources beneath the Great Plains and enjoy the benefits of self-sufficiency in your off-grid adventures. Stay informed, stay safe, and embrace the abundance of nature that the Great Plains has to offer."

Remember, the information provided in this article serves as a general guide, and it's important to consult with local authorities and professionals for specific guidance and to ensure compliance with regulations in your area.

Additional resources

If you're serious about putting in a hand pump well, you really need to watch this video Hand Pump Well, off-grid, self-reliant water, everything you need to know by Dave Whipple at Bushradical.