Last Updated on September 8, 2023

If you own property in the desert, installing a water well might be your best option. As you probably already know, utilities aren’t available for many people who own property in desolate desert areas.

A water well can provide you and your family with the water that you need, whether you live in the Great Basin Desert in Northern Nevada or another desert area.

Of course, there are certain challenges that go along with living in the desert. This is true with water wells, too. Fortunately, these tips can help you and your family maintain a proper water supply, despite the challenges that go along with living in a dry climate.

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Well outside house
Well in northern Africa. Photo by Frans van Heerden on Pexels.com

Can you dig a well in the desert?

Yes, it is possible to dig a well in the desert, but it requires a lot of planning and expertise. The first thing to consider is the depth of the well. In most desert areas, the water table is located much deeper than in areas where water is more plentiful. As a result, wells installed in the desert must be deeper to reach the water source.

Working with the right water well installation contractor is essential to determine where to install your well and how deep it should be. Perform tests and talk to your neighbors about the depth of their wells to get an idea of what might work on your property.

What is a desert well, and what is in it?

A desert well is a water well that is located in a desert area. It is designed to provide water to people who live in desolate areas where utilities aren’t available. In the Southwest region of the United States, desert wells are also known as “Artesian wells” or “Oases” and are considered an essential water source for those who live in the desert.

A desert well can contain various types of water depending on its location and depth. The water in a desert well is typically sourced from underground aquifers, which can contain mineral-rich water that has been filtered through rock and soil for years. Depending on the location of the well, it may also contain high levels of salinity or other contaminants. Testing the water quality is essential before using it for drinking, cooking, or other household purposes.


How to maintain a proper water supply in the desert

Make Sure Your Well is Deep Enough

When installing a water well in the desert, it’s critical to make sure that it is deep enough. Typically, water wells installed in the desert must be much deeper than in areas where water is more plentiful.

Work with the right water well installation contractor for help with this. Perform tests to determine where to install your well and how deep it should be. Talk to your neighbors about the depth of their wells can also give you an idea of what might work on your property.

Installing a deeper well is typically more expensive. Get a few estimates before having your water well installed to find out what the going rate is in your area. Also, look into your financing options to make your water well installation a bit more affordable.

Consider Having a Backup Water Source

Even if you install a deep well on your property, you could be concerned about running out of water. Hopefully, this is not something you will have to worry about. It is not a bad idea to have a backup water source in mind, though, just in case.

Many people who live in the desert choose to set up a water tank on their property. You can have water delivered to your home when you need to fill up your tank, and you can then use the water just like you would the water from your well. In fact, this is an option that will help you and your family get by until your water well is installed.

Read also: Sources of Water in the Desert

Conserve Water When You Can

One of the joys of having a water well is the fact that you don’t have to worry about paying a water bill. You may think this means that you can use as much water as you want without worrying about it, but this isn’t necessarily a good idea.

Because of the shortage of water in the desert, it is wise to conserve water in any way that you can. This can help you prevent your water well from going dry. Luckily, there are lots of different ways that you can conserve water throughout the year, all without feeling as if you are missing out on anything.

For example, swapping out your existing plumbing fixtures with fixtures designed to conserve water is a great first step. Being more mindful of your household water use can help you make small yet helpful changes, too, such as by turning the faucet off while you’re brushing your teeth.

Also, although you might think it’s pointless to do so in the desert, it’s smart to collect rainwater. It doesn’t take much effort, and when it does rain, you can use the collected water to take care of your plants. Saving bathwater or dishwater to use for watering plants and other similar uses is smart, too.

view from well on serious man with hoes working in garden
Photo by Ayman Mustapha Nouas on Pexels.com

Useful Items and Tools for Digging a Well in the Desert

One tool that could be useful for those who want to dig a well in the desert is a digging bar or digging rod. A digging bar is a long, heavy steel rod that is used for digging through hard soil, rocks, and other obstacles.

The digging bar can be used to break up soil and rocks that are too hard to remove with a shovel, allowing you to create a deeper and wider hole for your well.

Another useful tool for digging a well in the desert is a post hole digger. A post hole digger is a tool that is used for digging deep, narrow holes in the ground, such as those used for fence posts. A post hole digger can be used to create a narrow hole for your well, which can be lined with concrete or other materials to help prevent the sides from collapsing.

A heavy-duty pick axe can also be helpful for digging a well in the desert. A pick axe can be used to break up hard soil and rocks, making it easier to remove them with a shovel. A pick axe can also be used to create a narrow trench for your well, which can be dug deeper over time as needed.

Finally, a well drilling machine or drill rig can be a more efficient option for digging a well in the desert, especially if you need to go deeper than what can be achieved by hand. A well drilling machine can be rented or purchased, and can drill through hard rock and other obstacles more easily than manual tools. However, a well drilling machine can be expensive and may not be necessary for smaller or shallower wells.


How to Build a Shelter in the Desert


Desert Well FAQs

How do you build a well in a desert?

Building a well in the desert is a complex process that should only be done by a qualified well driller. However, here are the basic steps involved:

  1. Locate the water table. This can be done by using a water divining rod, a water well drilling rig, or a geophysical survey.
  2. Drill the well. This can be done by using a hand-operated drill, a power drill, or a water well drilling rig.
  3. Line the well. The well casing is a pipe that is placed inside the well to prevent the walls from collapsing.
  4. Install the pump and other equipment. The pump will be used to bring the water up from the well. Other equipment may also be needed, such as a filter and a pressure tank.
  5. Test the well. The well should be tested to make sure that it is producing water and that the water is safe to drink.

How do you pick an ideal location for installing a well in the desert?

Here are some factors to consider when picking an ideal location for installing a well in the desert:

  • The proximity to a water source. The closer the well is to a water source, the shallower it will need to be.
  • The type of soil. Some soils are more permeable than others, and this will affect the depth of the well.
  • The presence of rocks or other obstructions. These can make drilling the well more difficult and expensive.
  • The slope of the land. The well should be located on level ground to prevent the water from running away.
  • The proximity to other wells. The well should be far enough away from other wells to avoid contamination.

How deep do wells need to be in the desert?

The depth of a well in the desert will vary depending on the location and the water table. In general, wells in the desert need to be deeper than wells in other areas, as the water table is typically lower. The depth of your well will need to be determined by a qualified well driller.

How do you maintain a well in the desert?

The following are some tips for maintaining a well in the desert:

  • Have the well water tested regularly for bacteria and other contaminants.
  • Inspect the well casing and pump for leaks on a regular basis.
  • Keep the well area clean and free of debris.
  • Do not use hazardous chemicals near the well.

What are the benefits of building a well in the desert?

There are several benefits to building a well in the desert, including:

  • A reliable source of water, even during droughts.
  • Independence from municipal water systems.
  • The ability to control the quality of your water.

What are the challenges of building a well in the desert?

The following are some of the challenges of building a well in the desert:

  • The cost of drilling and installing a well can be high.
  • The depth of the well may be deeper than in other areas.
  • The well may be more susceptible to contamination.
  • The weather conditions in the desert can make drilling and construction difficult.

Can I build a well in the desert myself?

It is not recommended to build a well in the desert yourself. The process is complex and requires specialized knowledge and equipment. It is best to hire a qualified well driller to ensure that the well is installed correctly and safely.

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