These shallow wells are intriguing to say the least. My family has been in the well drilling business for 60 years now and have drilled thousands of wells over the decades. There are some concerns with these home spun wells. As stated earlier if you are west of the Mississippi, all water is under the "priority system". In other words , first in use, first in right. ALL water in most western states is owned by somebody. Most state shuts down these type wells as they are stealing someone else's property. Legality's aside, the states real concern is these wells do not meet the states stringent construction standards. Properly and legally constructed well have a hole drilled 4" larger than the casing to be installed. This larger diameter hole must be at least 40' deep and the annulus is then pressure grouted between the casing and bore hole. No perforated pipe allowed above 40' in most wells. Top water is considered contaminated from animal as well as natural bacteria from plants. By allowing perforated pipe above 40', the surface water can now enter the lower water table and bring with it, its contamination. Without grout every time a dog see's a well they think it is a fire hydrant. Every time he pee's it goes directly to the water table and now your home spun well is contaminating yours and other wells. Somethings to think about.
