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RETROFITTING OLDER WELLS
Older, drilled wells may be too
shallow and run out of water after minimal use. The average, new well drilled in
Connecticut, exceeds 300 feet in depth.
DEEPENING
If an existing well is determined to be to
shallow, in relationship to its ability to produce adequate water, it may be a
candidate for deepening.
Once an inspection of the
site to determine if the site is accessible by the drilling equipment has been
performed, a permit is prepared and applied for by E.W.D. to the appropriate
building and health departments.
If the casing does not currently extend above ground, it will have to be extended to conform to code. Prior to deepening, the existing pump and wire are removed. Once removed, the drilling rig sets up over the well and begins the process of cleaning out or reaming the existing well to its current bottom. When that is done, that tool is removed and a drilling bit is sent down the bore; beginning the actual deepening of the well.
As with drilling a new well, water is introduced into the bore to carry the cutting up and out of the well. Additionally, the same state codes dictating yield (G.P.M.'s) as it relates to depth, applies.
Once code is reached or at a practical,
maximum depth, drilling ceases. In most cases, the existing pump will be too
small to function at the new, greater depth and will have to be replaced.
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