Choosing the Right Location for Your New Well

Thinking about having a new well drilled on your property in Salisbury, NC, or a surrounding area? Picking the right spot for your well is one of the most important steps in the well drilling process. It’s not just about where the ground is damp or where it’s easiest to dig.

Where your well goes can affect everything from your water quality and long-term safety to how much the whole project ends up costing. That’s why working with a trusted Salisbury-area well drilling contractor can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll break down what goes into choosing the best location for your new well, the kind of things our pros look for, and the questions every homeowner should ask before drilling begins.

What’s Hiding Under Your Feet? Understanding Geology

The ground beneath your property is a complex layer cake. Some layers hold water, while others don’t. You want your well to tap into a productive aquifer, which is a layer of rock or sand saturated with groundwater.

Think of this aquifer as your personal, underground reservoir. Aquifers can be unconfined, which are closer to the surface and recharged by rain, or confined, which are deeper and protected by an impermeable layer of rock or clay. Confined aquifers often provide cleaner water but are more expensive to reach.

The type of soil and rock also dictates how easily water can move. Sandy or gravelly soils let water pass through quickly, making for a productive well. Heavy clay, however, can block water flow almost completely. A professional can conduct a geological assessment to understand these underground features.

You can get a head start by looking at publicly available data. The U.S. Geological Survey has maps and resources that show regional geology, and this information can give you a solid idea of what to expect.

Keeping Your Water Safe From Contaminants

The safety of your drinking water is the top priority. This is why keeping a safe distance from potential pollution sources is so important. These required buffer zones are called setbacks.

Every state and county has rules that list minimum distances for water wells from these sources. Common sources include septic systems, fuel tanks, livestock areas, and buried utility lines. Runoff from roads or chemically treated fields can also pose a risk.

Failing to follow setback rules isn’t just risky, it’s illegal. The regulations exist to prevent harmful bacteria and chemicals from seeping into your groundwater supply. Your family’s health directly depends on placing the well in a safe location.

Here are some typical setback distances. Always confirm the specific requirements with your local health department, as it’s the final authority.

Potential Contaminant Source	Common Minimum Distance (Feet)
Septic Tank	50
Septic Leach Field	100
Property Line	10–25
Livestock Barns / Yards	100
Fertilizer or Pesticide Storage	100

The Complete Well Location Selection Checklist

Thinking through the entire process can feel overwhelming. Let’s break it down into a simple checklist. Following these steps will help make your well location selection much smoother.

Check Local Rules and Get Your Permits

Every well drilling project must start with getting the proper paperwork. Before any digging happens, you need to secure the right permits from your local government. These regulations dictate everything from setback distances to well casing depth.

It’s a good idea to contact your local health or environmental department first. A professional well drilling contractor will handle the actual filing, but you should still understand the local requirements they’re following on your behalf.

Think About Access for Drilling and Maintenance

A drilling rig is a very large and heavy piece of equipment. It needs a clear and stable path to the chosen spot for the well. Consider if a large truck can get there without damaging your yard, septic system, or overhead power lines.

Also, think about what happens down the road. Your well pump and other components will need service someday. Make certain the wellhead isn’t in a spot you might want to build over, such as a future deck or shed.

Good access makes future maintenance much easier and less expensive. A clear area around the wellhead allows service crews to work efficiently. This saves you time and money over the life of the well.

Look to the Future of Your Property

Take a minute to picture your property in five or 10 years. Do you have plans for a new garage, a backyard pool, or a detached workshop? Maybe you want to add a large garden or even replace your septic system.

Your well needs to be placed so it won’t interfere with those future projects. It’s very difficult and expensive to move a well once it has been drilled. A little foresight now can save you from massive headaches and expenses later on.

Know Your Water Table Depth

The water table is the level where the ground is permanently saturated with water. The depth to this water table affects the cost of your well and the reliability of your water supply. Your driller will measure the static water level, which is the water level when the pump is off.

Once pumping begins, the water level will drop to what is called the pumping water level. The difference between these two levels is known as drawdown. A well with very little drawdown is a sign of a strong, productive aquifer.

Shallow wells are less expensive to drill but are more susceptible to seasonal changes and droughts. Deeper wells cost more but tap into more stable water sources. A reputable driller can review local well logs to estimate the depth needed for a reliable year-round supply.

Why You Shouldn’t Go It Alone

You can do a lot of homework yourself, but well drilling is not a do-it-yourself project. The success of your well depends on professional expertise. A bad decision can lead to poor water quality or a well that runs dry.

Well drilling contractors bring years of practical experience. They know the local geology and regulations inside and out, and have seen what works and what fails right in your community. For sites with known issues, a hydrogeologist might be needed to perform a more detailed site evaluation.

Key Takeaways

Placing your well correctly is a foundational step for your home and property. It takes good research, careful planning, and help from qualified professionals. Considering geology, safety setbacks, and future property use will guide you to the best location.

In the end, your final well location selection is an important one that impacts your daily life. By following these guidelines, you make a sound investment, and protect your family’s health and your property’s value for years to come.