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[clhw AT infoave.net (clhw)]

On the Deep Rock drills:
You can't go that 400 feet the drillers say you need, only about 100 feet,
I believe.
You will need several points to go through the sandstone and limestone, but
that will be easier than the granite we hit.

It takes a bare minimum of 2 people to operate a drill well and 3 or 4 to
run fetch and carry and pull would be helpful.

You need to dig a small pit near the drill site to hold the bentonite in,
and water to mix with it. You also need water to help lubricate as you
drill.

If you have good water fairly near the surface, Deep Rock would be great.
If husband would stay home instead of running a foundry, we might get
another well drilled.

Before we bought our Deep Rock unit, husband talked with a man who dug
maybe a dozen wells with one. Most of those were in a small town. He used
the water for washing cars, watering garden and pets, not household
drinking. His property was located at almost the lowest point in town. I
don't know about the quality of his water or if he had it tested.

Husband also talked with a rural neighbor who dug one or two Deep Rock
wells. He acted like it wasn't so easy but could be done. We've been
pleased with the supportive help from the company. After the initial
purchase, we've bought additional rod and a couple more bits, including one
or two to work on that granite.

>I contacted a couple of well drillers who work our
>area.  They tell me that we need to go about 400 feet
>down.  Not that the water table is that low but we
>have to go through a layer of sandstone and then of
>limestone to find dependable water.
>The ballpark prices they gave me were from 8 to 14
>thousand.  So I'm doing more research on cisterns.
>The existing well is about 75' down.  Water in it is
>the result of seepage and health department tells me
>that water in our area is seldom because years of
>mining and farming have left a lot of contaminants.
>I've contacted "deep rock" who sell well drilling rigs
>for the landowner.  Cost 1 to 2 thousand.  Wonder if
>anyone has any knowledge of those systems other than
>the info they provide?
>Van Dell