FAQs
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO DRILL MY WELL?
Because each well is unique in the type of soil that must be drilled through, the final depth of the well, and the ability of a formation to provide water, there is no easily defined time schedule. With that in mind, 90% of our wells are completed in 1 to 4 days. One could easily believe that since we generally charge "by the foot" that our motive would be to drill as many feet as possible as fast as possible, and many other drilling companies seem to be following this path. At Chambers Drilling, we believe that our 30 years of success in northwest Montana has been based upon our reputation, and that reputation is based upon taking the time to carefully complete your well.
WHERE SHOULD I DRILL FOR WATER?
Most pieces of property dictate where you can and cannot drill. For example, there are distance restrictions from right-of-ways, power lines, underground utilities, septic systems and property lines. Once these are examined the driller will need to consider access ability for the drill rig and future access. After these parameters are closely examined we can then recommend a site based on our knowledge of the area and the geography of the land. Keep in mind that there is no guarantee of finding water "ALWAYS" as only God knows where he put it!
HOW MUCH WATER DO I NEED?
The amount of water you will need will depend upon the size of your home, the amount of lawn and garden watering, livestock and future watering needs. At a minimum, we like to see a well produce 10 to 15 gallons per minute. If you are planning to irrigate your lawn or garden on top of daily functions you should have about 20-25 gallons per minute. Most lending institutions require a drilled well that will produce at least 5 gallons per minute.
HOW MUCH DOES A WELL COST?
Typical domestic water wells range from $2,500 to $15,000 but very deep or complex wells can cost much more. The pump system and installation costs will be determined by the depth of the well and the gallons per minute the well produces. Please note that even though the pump system is not included in the well pricing, we can give an estimate for these services.
WHAT IS A PUMP SYSTEM?
A pump system includes everything to get your water from your well to your house. In other words it will consist of a pump, motor, control box, pitless adapter, pressure tank, pressure switch, pressure gauge, check valves, well cap or seal, drop pipe and submersible wire in the well, pipe and wire from the well to the house, fittings and one or more yard hydrants.
HOW DEEP IS THE AVERAGE WELL?
Most well depths in the Flathead Valley average from 25 Feet to 1,000 Feet depending on the location. Please call and let us do some free research for you!
WHAT IS GROUND WATER?
Ground water is water below the surface of the land that fills the spaces between grains of sediment and rocks or fills cracks and fractures in the rock. Mother Nature has made the rocks of the earth as a natural storage place for our ground water. According to the National Ground Water Association, each day, over 130 million Americans get their drinking water from ground water.
DO I NEED WATER RIGHTS?
Yes. If you intend to use more than 35 gallons of water per minute, you will need to apply for a “Beneficial Water Use Permit” (Form 600) from the DNRC (Department of Natural Resources and Conservation). It is advisable that you contact the DNRC before the well is drilled to see what information is required to apply. If you intend to use 35 gpm or less and are not in a controlled area, you are not required to obtain a permit, but you must file a “Notice of Completion of Groundwater Development” (Form 602) with the DNRC within 60 days after you begin using the water. There is a fee to file for your water rights. As of 2010 the fee is $125. This establishes your legal right to use the water from your well. Your driller will file a “Well Log Report (Form 603) with the MBMG but this does not constitute filing your water rights. After your well is drilled Chambers Drilling will send you a copy of your well log and the forms that you will need to file for your water rights. http://www.dnrc.mt.gov/wrd/water_rts
HOW DO I DECIDE ON A WELL DRILLER?
When selecting a contractor, check for information on State Licensing (both Drillers and Contractors Licenses), Insurance, Experience, Reputation and Competence. You can verify a license by contacting the Board of Water Well Contractors in Helena Mt at (406) 444-6643. Chambers Drilling has been in business in the Flathead Valley for over 30 years!