How do you extract water from a well?

Answer 1

There are generally two types of water wells. The first is the shallow dug well, usually completed by hand, or with the use of non-specialized machinery - the well is completed by installing a large casing to hold the hole open, and backfilling around that casing. Then the water can be accessed from above.

The second type of well, a drilled well, involves the use of a water well drilling rig, which is generally a very expensive & complex machine. Typically, most well drillers use rotary drills - these systems use segmented steel drill pipe with a drill bit at the bottom, they then circulate a drilling fluid through the drill pipe, out of the bit, and back up to the surface (coming up between the drill pipe & the outside of the bore hole). The fluid helps to displace the drilled cuttings & cool the bit. Typically, drilling fluids are a mix of water & bentonite clay with other chemical additives, or the machines use compressed air.

When water is discovered, the driller will clean the formation out, install a casing (if one isn't installed while drilling), and screen the formation off. Then water samples can be analyzed for potability, and a pump can be installed to get the water out.

Generally, drilling a well is a complex & tricky business best left to professionals. However, some areas are easier than others.

Answer 2

You can use a jet pump to extract water from a well. There are two kinds of pumps which may be used: a shallow water pump and a deep water pump. In a shallow water pump, the jet assembly must be attached to the main pipe and are limited to being used only 5-8 meters. In a deep water pump, the jet assembly is attached to the bottom of the well.

Answer 3

Depends where you are. In Canada you can not legally do this anymore. I don't know about US or Australia.