Access to a reliable and abundant source of water is crucial for households and communities everywhere but especially in Cochise County. While drilling a well provides numerous benefits, such as independence from weather conditions and physical constraints, there are also drawbacks to consider, including the upfront cost and the potential for declining water levels. This article aims to explore the pros and cons of well drilling in Cochise County as well as give you some things to consider if drilling a well is in your plans for your off-grid home.
Pros of Well Drilling in Cochise County
1. Reliable and Abundant Water Supply: Wells offer a consistent and dependable water source, ensuring a continuous water supply (if drilled deep enough) even during dry periods or when rainwater collection is impractical. This reliability is particularly important for areas where water scarcity or droughts are common.
2. Reduced Dependency on Weather: Unlike rainwater collection, well water extraction is not dependent on weather patterns. It allows homeowners to access water whenever needed, regardless of rainfall levels or seasonal variations.
3. No Physical Constraints: Well-drilling eliminates the need for hauling water, which can be physically demanding and time-consuming. With a well, there are fewer limitations on the amount of water that can be extracted, providing greater flexibility for various uses such as gardening and household consumption.
4. No Time Constraints: Unlike hauling water, which requires constant trips to a water source, wells allow for instant access to water. There are no time limitations, ensuring convenience and efficiency for homeowners. You also don’t have to worry about calling to get water hauled or waiting on a hauling service.
Cons of Well Drilling in Cochise County
1. Expensive Upfront Cost: The installation of a well involves significant upfront expenses, including drilling equipment, labor, and permits. Homeowners must consider the financial implications and assess whether the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment. Where your property is in the county will determine how expensive a well will be. Drilling costs are at least $50 a foot so a 400′ well is a lot cheaper at $20,000 than an 800′ well at $40,000. You will also have to factor in the cost of the pump and installation which depending on the pump can bet another $10,000 on top of drilling costs. We recommend contacting multiple drilling companies to compare bids before going ahead.
2. Water Level Decline: In some regions of the county, water levels are dropping over time, necessitating costly well deepening or deep initial wells. This ongoing expense can be a concern, especially in areas where aquifer depletion is prevalent. Putting in a well can be cost-prohibitive in these areas as you need to drill deeper to ensure you have a long-term water supply.
How to Determine Your Water Depth for Well Drilling
To determine approximate water depth, the Arizona Ground Water Site Inventory provides valuable resources. By accessing the Arizona Water Maps website, individuals can find recent data on surrounding wells, including the depth to water (DTW) measurements. Examining multiple wells in the area offers a better understanding of water availability and any historical decline trends.
You can also check out the Arizona Wells Registry to click through wells in your area and see the details there. Make sure to try and find wells drilled in the last few years and look at where the water level was (not just how deep the wells were drilled).
Factors to Consider When Choosing Well Location
1. Well Witching/Dowsing: Some individuals practice well witching or dowsing, which involves using divining rods to locate potential water sources underground. While not scientifically proven, it may provide anecdotal guidance in determining a suitable drilling location.
2. Well Drillers’ Expertise: Experienced well drillers familiar with the local area can offer insights into the best drilling locations, considering factors such as water accessibility and underground geological formations.
3. Access for Drilling Equipment: Proximity to the drilling site is crucial to ensure smooth operations. The chosen location should be accessible for large well drilling equipment to reach the spot without any significant logistical challenges.
4. Distance from Dwellings, Gardens, and Electricity: The well location should be convenient for supplying water to the intended areas, such as homes, gardens, or livestock. It should also consider the availability of electricity to power the well pump efficiently.
5. Septic Systems: Wells must be at least 100 feet away from septic tanks or sewage disposal areas to prevent contamination and maintain water quality.
6. Runoff and Drainage: Directing surface water drainage away from the well site is essential to prevent contamination. It is advisable to avoid drilling in areas prone to flooding.
7. Distance from Other Wells: Ideally, wells should be located far apart from neighboring wells to avoid interference and ensure maximum water yield. Close proximity between wells can potentially reduce the water production capacity of each well.
Well Facts in Cochise County
1. Exempt Wells: Exempt wells, with pumps that have a maximum capacity of 35 gallons per minute, are subject to fewer regulations. However, both exempt and non-exempt wells may be subject to regulations imposed by an Active Management Area (AMA), depending on the location.
2. Pipe Size: While smaller pipe sizes are more cost-effective, they can result in slower water flow rates. Choosing an appropriate pipe size ensures sufficient water supply and allows for the potential deepening of the well if necessary.
3. Pump Type: Selecting a pump compatible with the power source available is essential. Consideration must be given to the power requirements and the availability of alternative power sources if planning for an off-grid setup.
4. Deepening a Well: Monitoring historical water level data helps anticipate the need for future well deepening. This preparation can save homeowners from unexpected costs and ensure a sustainable water supply.
5. Professional Well Drilling: Well drilling should always be performed by a licensed well drilling contractor to ensure compliance with regulations and proper construction techniques.
6. Water Quality: Regular testing of well water quality is essential to ensure safe and potable drinking water. Annual testing is recommended, and appropriate water treatment measures should be implemented if necessary.
Well Drilling Process in Cochise County
Getting a well drilled involves a series of steps and the necessary documentation to ensure compliance and proper installation. Here is an overview of the process:
- Notice of Intent: Often, the well drilling company files the Notice of Intent on behalf of the homeowner. This document, valid for one year, includes the planned well site location. If there are any changes to the site, the Notice of Intent must be updated accordingly.
- Well Application and Setbacks: The well application requires a site plan that demonstrates compliance with required setbacks. Wells must be at least 5 feet away from all property lines and at least 100 feet away from septic system components. An inspector will assess the property to verify setback compliance and take GPS readings of the well site.
- Well Registration Number: After fulfilling the necessary paperwork, the homeowner will receive a well registration number, which serves as a unique identifier for the well.
- Authorization to Drill: The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) grants an Authorization to Drill, a drilling card that authorizes the well drilling process. The well driller must possess this card before commencing drilling and keep it on hand throughout the operation.
- Well Driller Report: Within 30 days of drilling completion, the well drilling contractor files a Well Driller Report. This report documents the drilling process, including details such as well depth, construction materials, and geological information.
- Completion Report: The well owner is responsible for filing a Pump Installation Completion Report within 30 days of equipping the well with a pump. This report provides information about the pump installation and ensures proper documentation of the well’s completion.
Well drilling offers numerous advantages in Cochise County, such as a reliable water supply and reduced dependency on weather conditions. However, it is important to consider the substantial upfront costs and the potential for declining water levels in some regions. Thorough research, expert advice, and compliance with regulations are essential when making decisions about well drilling. By weighing the pros and cons and considering the specific needs and circumstances, individuals can make informed choices regarding their water supply options.
For more information about drilling a well in Cochise County check out this guide released by the state. You can see all the Cochise County well drilling resources here.