It’s only boring in the literal sense
Using shovels, backhoes, or augers, dug wells range from 10 to 50 feet deep.
Drilled wells range from 100 to over 1,000 feet deep.
Dug wells are cheaper but drilled wells offer better freshwater access.
Digging a deep hole seems pretty straightforward, but not all wells are created equal. When it comes to digging vs. drilling a well, you can expect a number of important differences beyond the effort of shoveling dirt or dealing with a few hours of drilling. Understanding the differences between the two options is the first step in preparing to dig your own well.
The main difference between dug and drilled wells is, of course, the excavation method. Beyond using a shovel or heavy machinery, dug and drilled wells differ pretty dramatically in terms of depth, water quality, reliability, and cost.
| Type of Difference | Dug Well | Drilled Well |
|---|---|---|
| Typical depth | 50 feet | 100–200 feet |
| Construction | By hand | Heavy machinery |
| Water quality | Higher risk | Lower risk |
| Water level | Variable | Consistent |
| Average cost | $1,800 | $24,500 |
Dug wells are shallow, typically between 10 and 50 feet deep and about 3 feet wide. Since they’re dug by hand with either a shovel, backhoe, auger, or drive point, dug wells can’t be excavated deeper than 50 feet without a need for machinery.
In comparison, drilled wells can be drilled more than 1,000 feet deep. In residential settings, drilled wells are usually between 100 and 200 feet in depth and about 6 inches in diameter. The actual depth of a drilled well depends on factors such as the water table, water quality, contamination risk, and geology.
Since they don’t go beyond 50 feet, dug wells rely on traditional excavation methods as part of their construction. Dug by hand with a shovel, backhoe, or auger until the water table is reached, dug wells are then lined and reinforced with stone, tile, brick, or other sturdy materials. A sanitary cap made of stone, wood, or concrete is installed to help reduce contamination risk
If your well is designed to be deeper than 50 feet, it requires drilling for construction. Using a drill rig with either a rotary or percussion drill bit, your local well contractor can create a small borehole in the ground. Once the appropriate depth is reached, a tube-shaped well casing made of either steel or plastic is installed in the well and sealed with grout or bentonite clay to help keep dirt and excess water out.
Regardless of the type of well, proper well construction, location, and testing are important for the safety and quality of your water. The deeper the well is, however, the lower the risk of water contamination.
Dug wells are inherently at a higher risk for contamination as they source water from shallow water tables, which are more susceptible to hazardous groundwater runoff from various sources such as sewage, agriculture, construction sites, industry, and more. This can result in potentially harmful contaminants, including:
Bacteria
Viruses
Parasites
Heavy metals
Chemicals
Vermin
Drilled wells are far less prone to groundwater runoff contaminants due to their depth and continuous casing design, but they can carry their own risks. Drilling so far into the earth means your water source may contain chemical or mineral additives, which is why deep wells require screens and casing to keep sediment out.
Depending on where you live and seasonal weather fluctuations, the depth of your well can have a big impact on your well’s water levels. Since dug wells can only access shallow depths, they rely on aquifers that are more likely to fluctuate in water levels through the year and may even have extended dry spells.
"The deeper the well, the better the water because deeper water is less exposed to outside elements."
— Constantin Geambasu, Owner of Water Rehab, Gilbert, Arizona
In comparison, drilled wells can provide reliable water year-round regardless of dry seasons. The actual depth required to reach a reliable aquifer can vary—sometimes 100 feet is adequate, and sometimes you’ll have to drill several hundred feet to find a good water source.
While location, geology, and casing can influence the final cost of a well, the main cost factors are the depth of the well and whether you’ll need drilling equipment or not.
| Well Type | Low Cost (per Foot) | High Cost (per Foot) |
|---|---|---|
| Dug well | $10 | $25 |
| Drilled well | $25 | $60 |
Since dug wells are always shallow, they’re almost always cheaper to build than drilled wells. With about $25 per foot at the high end, the most you can expect to pay for digging a well is $1,250. The lower cost per foot for a dug well is due to fewer materials and machinery, and you can save on labor costs even further by making it a weekend DIY project.
Even if a drilled well isn’t much deeper than a dug well, either renting a drill rig for a DIY project or hiring a local professional for the job increases the final bill. Since the final depth can vary depending on aquifer availability, drilling costs can range from $1,800 to $24,500.
Drilled wells have a pipe sticking up that’s covered in a plastic or metal casing. On the other hand, a dug well will look like a big hole in the ground and is more similar to what you’d see in a fantasy or Western movie. If you want to be sure, contact the city for documentation on your property’s construction and excavation history.
The average life span of a well is about 30 to 50 years. Several factors can affect a well’s lifespan, such as its size, construction quality, water demand, and regular maintenance. Environmental factors, including droughts and earthquakes, can also have an influence. Drilling deeper, getting professional maintenance, and regulating your water usage can help extend your well’s lifespan.
Drilling or digging a well represents a short part of the process and can usually be completed in a day or two. Before digging, you may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to organize surveys, permits, and licenses. After digging and installing the necessary well components, you’ll have to have water tested and wait a few days for results. In total, expect at least one week for installation.
You can generally expect your well to replenish at about five gallons per minute. If your well is relatively deep and has a greater capacity to fill, it will take longer to fill than a shallow well. Other factors can play into how quickly your well recovers, such as the surrounding geology, regular precipitation, and maintenance.
