A water well is a hole drilled, dug, driven, bored, jetted or otherwise constructed into an aquifer to provide water for irrigation, livestock, wildlife, human, and other uses.
How it helps
Water wells help to:
improve water quality and quantity
provide a safe, reliable method of supplying water to livestock, recreational areas, and wildlife
improve management in a prescribed grazing system
spread out the locations of water facilities, ensuring that water resources aren't depleted in one area
Learn more
Find NRCS Massachusetts technical information in the Field Office Technical Guide: eFOTG.
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Title:
Water Well 642: Selecting the well location (before)
Caption:
Selecting a site for a well requires careful consideration. All local, state and federal regulations must be met. Data from nearby wells may also be used to determine if there is enough groundwater.
Excavation work begins on a water well. Projects that have the potential to disturb the ground may need to be assessed to determine if any cultural resources are in the area.
A cover on the wellhead helps prevent groundwater and other contaminants from polluting the well. Water wells also need to be protected from damage by people, animals and machinery.