Pickwick Well Drilling

Many wells in our work area have naturally occurring levels of dissolved iron, hydrogen sulfide (causes sulfur odor), and/or low pH that do not meet high water quality standards. Although these water characteristics are not harmful to your health, they are aesthetically unpleasing and thus require water treatment to prevent brown staining of fixtures, foul odor and corrosion of copper pipes and faucets.

The size (horsepower) of the pump depends on your water needs. Large homes with multiple bathrooms normally have a greater water demand than small homes. Large, landscaped properties require big pumps to meet irrigation needs. Deeper wells sometimes need larger pumps to effectively deliver water to the house. We will discuss your present and future requirements in order to appropriately design a well and pumping system for you.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regulates well drilling in the state. Setbacks for water wells for drinking require that the well be at least 20’ from the house, 100’ from a septic field, 50’ from a septic tank, 25’ from a sewer line and 25’ from a fuel tank. Wells should also be located for convenient access for drilling equipment and future service.

To remove dissolved iron and prevent staining water, softeners or salt-free water filters can be installed. Water softeners remove dissolved iron and hardness using ion exchange. These systems recharge themselves with salt that is consumed, but adding virtually no salt to the water itself. However, they do require routine filling of the salt tank by the homeowner. We also install treatment systems with a salt-free design that remove iron and sulfur odor by oxidizing the dissolved iron and hydrogen sulfide gas into a filterable form and then back-washing this precipitate out. This treatment does not require filling of salt or chemical tanks. The size of the water treatment system depends on the required flow rate of the well and pump system and if the water used for irrigation must be treated as well as the domestic house water.

Drilling may not start until permits are obtained, usually a period requiring two to four weeks. The actual drilling often takes only one day due to the efficiency of our equipment and crew. The pump and well tank installation typically requires an additional day. However, the trench for the water and electric lines between the well and dwelling frequently must remain open until inspection and approval by the local health officer. Upon installation, the water should be run continuously for approximately five days or until the water is crystal clear and the chlorine disinfectant has been pumped out.

Yes, all wells, including irrigation wells, require a state permit that can be obtained only by a licensed well driller. Many counties or municipalities also require their own permits, notwithstanding receipt of a copy of the state permit. Upon completion of the well, the driller is required to submit a record of the actual well construction to the state. Unrecorded or illegally drilled wells could impact the future sale of a property in addition to posing environmental risks.