If you've ever talked with a neighbor about wells, you've probably heard someone brag about having a "deep well."

"My well is 750 feet deep."

"Oh yeah? Mine is only 120 feet."

Suddenly it sounds like you're comparing pickup trucks or fishing stories.

But when it comes to your water supply, which is really better? And does it even matter how deep your well is?

So... Is Deeper Better? Not necessarily. A deep well is not automatically a better well.

First Things First: What Makes a Well Deep or Shallow?

There's no universal definition, but generally speaking:

• Shallow wells are often less than 100 feet deep.

• Moderately deep wells range from 100 to 300 feet.

• Deep wells can be 300 to 500 feet, or even over 1,000 feet in some regions.

The depth depends largely on local geology and where water-bearing formations (aquifers) are located underground. This is local knowledge held by a small group of master well drillers, licensed in your state and locality.

In other words, your well driller didn't stop at 450 feet because he enjoyed drilling. He stopped because that's where the water was.

What Really Matters:

• Water quality

• Water quantity

• Reliability

• Aquifer health

A 75-foot well that consistently produces clean water for decades can be more valuable than a 700-foot well that struggles to keep up with demand.

Think of it this way: Would you rather have a reliable compact car or an exotic sports car that's always in the repair shop? The same logic applies to wells.

Shallow Wells

Advantages of Shallow Wells:

• Lower pumping costs - Water doesn't have to be lifted as far to reach your home. And less complex/expensive equipment.

• Easier service and maintenance - Equipment can sometimes be easier and less expensive to access.

• Lower installation costs - Drilling fewer feet usually means lower initial drilling expenses.

The Downside of Shallow Wells:

• Drought conditions and seasonal groundwater fluctuations (water table changes)

• Surface contamination and nearby septic system impact

• Less water in reserve/storage in the well

That's not to say shallow wells are bad. Millions perform beautifully every day. They simply depend more heavily on conditions closer to the ground surface and a higher yield to support times of family peak usage.

Deep Wells

Advantages of Deep Wells:

• More stable water levels - They may be less affected by short-term drought conditions.

• Likely more storage and water “in reserves”

• Greater protection from surface contaminants - The deeper the water source, the more isolated it typically is from activities occurring at the surface.

The Downside of Deep Wells:

• Higher drilling costs - Every foot drilled costs money.

• Higher pump replacement costs - Pulling a pump from several hundred feet underground can require more labor and specialized equipment.

• More complex equipment - boosters and supplemental equipment is frequently required adding to maintenance and replacement costs.

• Greater energy use - The pump must work harder to move water longer distances.

Many homeowners proudly know their well depth but have no idea about the factors that actually affect performance. Instead of asking "How deep is my well?", you might be better off asking:

• What is my well's production rate?

• How old is my pump and is it the right size and working smoothly?

• When was my water last tested?

• How much water reserve do I have?

• What condition is my pressure tank and system in?

The best well is the one that consistently provides safe, reliable water when your family needs it. Whether that's 80 feet deep or 800 feet deep is often secondary. At the end of the day, your well has one job:

Turn on the faucet. Deliver water.

If it does that day after day, year after year, you've got a good well. And that's something every well owner can appreciate.

A WelGard Well Check-Up can help you learn more about the system your family depends on every day.

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If you are not already a Member, we invite you to discover the benefits of WelGard protection TODAY. Get immediate response (24/7/365) when anything breaks in your well (or you have a question). Did we mention that there is no out-of-pocket costs for repairs? Explore WelGard benefits NOW. We have you covered.

The Well Worth It Blog is all about residential wells, why we love them, and how to keep yours healthy and flowing clean, drinkable water for you and your family.