Understanding How Many Types of Wells There Are Before You Dig
How many types of wells are there? There are four main types of wells used for residential and commercial properties:
| Well Type | Construction Method | Typical Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Dug/Bored Wells | Hand-dug or backhoe excavated | 10–30 feet |
| Driven Wells | Steel pipe hammered into ground | 30–50 feet |
| Drilled Wells | Rotary or cable tool drilling | 100–300+ feet |
| Artesian/Geothermal Wells | Drilled into confined aquifers or bedrock | 100–500+ feet |
These four types are classified by how they are built and what kind of aquifer they tap into.
Choosing the wrong type for your property can mean unreliable water supply, contamination risks, or a system that simply won’t meet your needs. Whether you’re building a new home in rural Ohio or replacing an aging system, knowing the difference matters.
Here’s what most people don’t realize: the right well type isn’t just about depth. It depends on your soil, your local geology, and how much water your household actually uses every day.
I’m Chelsey Christensen, and my family has been in the well drilling business since the 1940s — giving me a hands-on, generational perspective on how many types of wells there are and which one fits which property. That deep-rooted experience is exactly what I’ll share with you in this guide.
Understanding Groundwater and How Many Types of Wells Are There
When we talk about water wells, we are really talking about access to one of the Earth’s most precious hidden resources: groundwater. Did you know that approximately 97 percent of the world’s available fresh water is actually underground? It isn’t just sitting in massive underground lakes; instead, it fills the tiny spaces between grains of sand, the pores in soil, and the cracks in solid bedrock.
The primary purpose of a water well is to create a reliable “straw” into these underground layers, known as aquifers. An aquifer is a geological formation that can hold and transmit water in usable quantities. When we design a well for your property in Ohio, whether you are in Urbana or Bellefontaine, our goal is to tap into an aquifer that provides a steady yield of clean, fresh water.
Groundwater is often a superior choice compared to surface water because it is naturally filtered by the earth, making it less susceptible to the immediate pollution risks that affect rivers and ponds. However, the depth and type of aquifer we target will dictate the construction method we use. Understanding the groundwater cycle helps us realize that the water we pump today was once rain that seeped into the ground, a process that can take days or even centuries depending on the depth of the well.
Exploring the Different Construction Methods: How Many Types of Wells Are There?
As we evaluate a property, we look at the local geology to decide which construction method is best. The answer to how many types of wells are there usually comes down to three primary categories of construction: digging, driving, and drilling. Each method is suited for specific soil conditions and water yields.
Geological conditions vary wildly across Ohio. In some areas near West Liberty, we might encounter thick layers of glacial till, while other areas are dominated by hard limestone bedrock. These conditions dictate whether we can use a simpler method or if we need the heavy-duty power of a modern drilling rig.
Historically, humans have been trying to reach groundwater for millennia. Scientific research on the history of Neolithic water wells shows that our ancestors were constructing wood-lined wells as far back as 8,400 BC. While the technology has changed from hand-shovels to high-tech rotary bits, the fundamental challenge remains: how do we reach the water safely and keep it clean?
We also classify wells by whether they are “shallow” or “deep.” Shallow wells (like dug or driven wells) tap into unconfined aquifers—those closest to the surface. Deep wells (usually drilled) penetrate through an impervious layer into a confined aquifer, which often offers more protection from surface contaminants.
1. Traditional Dug and Bored Wells
The dug well is the image most people have in their minds when they think of a “nursery rhyme” well—a wide hole lined with stone. Historically, these were excavated by hand using shovels and buckets. Today, if a dug well is constructed, it is usually done with a backhoe or a large-bore bucket auger.
Dug and bored wells are typically very shallow, usually ranging from 10 to 30 feet deep. Because they have a large diameter (often 3 to 10 feet wide), they can store a significant amount of water. This makes them useful in areas where the ground is less permeable, such as fine silt or clay, because the large surface area allows water to slowly seep in and accumulate.
However, dug wells come with significant drawbacks. Because they are shallow and lack a continuous, watertight casing, they are highly susceptible to contamination from surface runoff, fertilizers, and bacteria. They are also the first to go dry during an Ohio drought because they rely on the uppermost water table. If you are considering a more modern, reliable solution, you can find more info about new well drilling to see how we’ve moved beyond these traditional methods.
2. Economical Driven or Sand-Point Wells
Driven wells, often called “sand-point” wells, are constructed by hammering a small-diameter pipe into the ground. At the bottom of this pipe is a “well point”—a pointed screen designed to allow water in while keeping sand and grit out.
These wells are relatively simple and economical to install, but they are only possible in very specific conditions. They require loose, “friable” soil like sand or gravel. You cannot drive a pipe through solid bedrock or heavy boulders. Driven wells are generally 30 to 50 feet deep.
While they are more protected than a dug well because they are cased, they still draw from shallow aquifers. This means they are still at risk for surface contamination and can be affected by seasonal water table drops. Most driven wells use a suction pump at the surface, which is limited by physics; it can only pull water from about 25 feet down. If the water level drops further, the pump will lose its prime. For a deeper dive into these differences, check out our guide on What is the Difference Between a Drilled Well and a Driven Well?
3. High-Performance Drilled Wells and Boreholes
When most homeowners ask us about a new water source today, they are looking for a drilled well. This is the gold standard for modern water systems. Drilled wells are constructed using professional machinery—either a cable tool rig (which uses a heavy bit to pound into the earth) or a rotary rig (which uses a spinning bit to cut through rock).
Drilled wells can reach depths of hundreds or even thousands of feet, allowing us to bypass shallow, contaminated water and tap into deep, high-quality aquifers. In our service areas like Lakeview and Urbana, residential wells typically land between 150 and 250 feet deep.
One of the biggest advantages of a drilled well is its construction integrity. We install a continuous casing (usually steel or high-strength PVC) that prevents the hole from collapsing. Crucially, the space around the casing—called the annulus—is filled with a “grout” seal made of bentonite clay or cement. This seal acts as a barrier, preventing surface water from trickling down the side of the pipe and into your drinking water. To learn more about how we handle these high-performance systems, you can see more info about well drilling services on our site.
4. Specialized Artesian and Geothermal Wells
Beyond the standard water well, there are specialized structures designed for specific energy or geological needs.
Artesian Wells An artesian well occurs when we tap into a confined aquifer that is under natural pressure. This pressure is caused by the water being “sandwiched” between two impervious layers of rock or clay. In some cases, the pressure is so high that the water rises all the way to the surface without a pump—this is called a “flowing artesian well.” These are highly prized for their efficiency, though they require careful management to prevent wasting water.
Geothermal Wells Not all wells are for drinking water. Geothermal wells are an eco-friendly way to heat and cool your home. Instead of extracting water, we install a “loop” of durable pipe into a deep borehole. A fluid circulates through this loop, absorbing the stable 55-degree temperature of the Earth. In the winter, this heat is brought into your home; in the summer, the system dumps heat back into the ground. It is incredibly efficient and can last for over 50 years. We specialize in Drilling Geothermal Wells to help Ohio families reduce their energy bills.
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Property
Selecting a well type affects your property’s value and health. Proper siting is the first step; we ensure surface water drains away from the wellhead and adhere to setback requirements, such as keeping the well at least 50 feet from septic tanks and 100 feet from drainfields.
Environmental factors like over-pumping can lead to groundwater depletion or soil salination. Scientific research on groundwater well security indicates many wells risk running dry if water tables drop even slightly. We focus on sustainable drilling to protect aquifers for future generations.
Factors Influencing How Many Types of Wells Are There for You
When we visit your property, several factors influence the choice:
- Soil Composition: Thick bedrock makes driven wells impossible.
- Water Table Fluctuations: Shallow dug wells are unreliable if the water table drops in summer.
- Daily Yield Needs: High-capacity drilled wells are necessary for farms or large households.
| Factor | Dug Well | Driven Well | Drilled Well |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depth | 10–30 ft | 30–50 ft | 100–1,000 ft |
| Soil Suitability | Clay, Silt | Sand, Gravel | Any (including Rock) |
| Yield Capacity | Low to Medium | Low | High |
| Contamination Risk | High | Medium | Low |
| Drought Resistance | Low | Low | High |
Maintaining Your System and How Many Types of Wells Are There to Protect
Maintenance is essential for longevity. We recommend annual testing for bacteria and nitrates, as even deep drilled wells can be compromised by loose caps or damaged casings. Our water conditioning services also address Ohio-specific issues like sulfur odors or iron staining, ensuring your water is safe and pleasant.
The pump is your system’s heart. Whether submersible or jet-style, it must be correctly sized for your well’s depth and household demand. Frequent cycling often signals a failing pressure tank. We offer expert Service Water Well Drilling and maintenance to keep your system running smoothly.
With over 70 years of experience serving West Liberty, Urbana, and across Ohio, we’ve seen every geological challenge. We pride ourselves on fast response times and a commitment to quality spanning three generations. If you’re ready to secure a reliable water source, we’re here to help you navigate which type of well is right for you.