Drilling a Well The process of designing and constructing a water well begins when you make arrangements with a licensed driller or with a professional well service company. In Texas, only licensed drillers are permitted to drill water wells, and the process involves far more than simply boring a hole in the ground. A properly constructed well is an engineered system that protects groundwater quality, ensures long-term reliability, and complies with state and local regulations.
Site Evaluation and Permitting
Before drilling begins, a thorough site evaluation determines the optimal well location. Factors include distance from septic systems, property lines, and potential contamination sources; access for drilling equipment; geological conditions that affect depth and yield; and the intended water use—whether residential, agricultural, or commercial. Once the location is selected, permits are obtained from the appropriate county or groundwater conservation district. In Montgomery and Waller counties, specific setback requirements and documentation are required before drilling can proceed.
The Drilling Process
Drilling typically uses a rotary drill rig that bores through soil and rock formations using a rotating drill bit. As the bit advances, drilling fluid circulates to cool the bit, remove cuttings, and stabilize the borehole. The driller monitors the formations encountered, looking for signs of water-bearing zones. Depth varies widely based on location—some Texas wells reach water at 80 feet, while others require 400 feet or more. Throughout the process, the driller maintains a detailed log documenting depth, formations, and any water strikes.
Casing and Screen Installation
Once drilling reaches the target depth, steel or PVC casing is installed to line the well and prevent collapse. The casing extends from the surface down through any unstable formations and into the water-bearing zone. At the bottom, a well screen allows water to enter the casing while filtering out sand and sediment. The annular space between the casing and the borehole wall is sealed with cement grout, which prevents surface contaminants from flowing down alongside the casing and into the aquifer. This seal is one of the most critical elements of well construction.
Development and Testing
After construction, the well is developed to remove drilling debris and improve water flow. This may involve pumping, surging, or other techniques that clean the well screen and surrounding formation. A pump test measures the well's sustainable yield—how much water it can produce over time without being pumped dry. Water samples are collected for quality testing before the well is put into service. Only after passing yield and quality tests is the well ready to provide water to your home or property.
Considering drilling a well? Call 77 Water Well Inc. at (281) 456-4556 for a site evaluation and comprehensive drilling services across North Houston.