In Florida, there’s a plentiful supply of groundwater — more than 90 percent of the state’s water for drinking, bathing, laundry, agriculture, and other purposes comes from groundwater wells. As groundwater seeps into the Earth, it’s automatically filtered by sediment layers.
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Are wells legal in Florida?
All wells must be constructed by a licensed water well contractor. The only exception to this law is for a water well two (2) inches or less in diameter constructed by an individual for his/ her own private use on his/her owned or leased property as specified in Section 373.326(2), Florida Statutes.
Do wells run dry in Florida?
Since 1999, the Biscayne Aquifer has lost 580 square miles of its supply for 4 million residents, more than half the population in Southeast Florida. Water remains drinkable, but the water quality is concerning due to some contaminated coastal sites.
How long does a well last in Florida?
A professionally installed well provides many years of safe, affordable water. ❖ Wells are easy to maintain. The pump and other mechanical parts of a well can last for 20 years or more.
Why is water so bad in Florida?
Most of Florida’s tap water comes from groundwater, which means arsenic from the surrounding rocks can make its way into the water. So while arsenic is of concern because it is in Florida’s water supply, it is not found in the tap water in high enough concentrations to make it unsafe to drink.
How deep are wells in Florida?
If a well is needed only for drinking water, then a well with the depth of only 60 feet will be enough. However, if the water from the well will be used for multiple purposes, then the well needs to be at least a 100 foot deep. In any case, the well should not be shallow otherwise it could dry in the drought season.
How do wells work in Florida?
They are created by digging a hole in the ground with a shovel or backhoe. Dug wells have usually been excavated below the groundwater table until incoming water exceeded the digger’s bailing rate. The well was then lined (cased) with stones, brick, tile, or other material to keep it from collapsing.
How deep is the average well?
In general, private home wells tend to range from 100 to 500 feet in depth. However, they can be much deeper than this in some cases. There are even some wells that go past the 1,000 foot mark. The average well depth in your area will depend on several factors.
What is a shallow well in Florida?
Shallow wells — wells less than 50 feet deep — are typically used for lawn irrigation.One pump is used to pump water from the well to the aerator, and the other pump is used to pump water from the aerator to the house.
How much does a deep well cost in Florida?
A 100 foot well will run around $2,000-3,000 and a 400 foot well will average in the range of $6,000-12,000. This price will include the drilling, installation of the casing, and the well cap.
How do well digger’s find water?
If there are no wells in the area, or not enough information is available on existing ones, the hydrologist may contract with a well driller to put down some test holes. At these holes a pumping or aquifer test will be conducted. These tests indicate the water-bearing properties of the aquifer tapped by the well.
Is well water safe in Florida?
The majority of these wells produce water that tastes good and is free of harmful contaminants. Unfortunately, certain chemicals and bacteria that may cause disease have been found in some wells in Florida.
Can I dig my own well in Florida?
In some cases, individuals can excavate wells as long as they comply with all other local or state laws.Homeowners (or renters) who construct a well two inches or less in diameter on their property for their own use (includes farming purposes).
Why does Florida smell bad?
As much as it rains in Florida, the rainwater seeps through the wild and amble vegetation and leaves, picking up the organic residue naturally. After rain soaks into the aquifer, the organic compounds convert to sulfur.Not only does sulfur smell, but it also weakens chlorine, commonly used to disinfect utility water.
Is it OK to drink Florida tap water?
Yes, the water in Florida is safe to drink because local governments follow strict federal and state laws on monitoring water contaminants.These standards insure that there are no harmful chemicals inadvertently added to the drinking water supply.”
Why does the water taste funny in Florida?
Contaminants that make Florida tap water taste icky
This is an ion in chlorine, which municipalities use often used to disinfect water. Instead of chloride, some areas use chloramine, a combination of chlorine and ammonia. Regardless, chloride gives water a salty taste. Chloramine gives water a bleachy taste.
How much does a well cost?
$3,750 – $15,300 (Average Cost) The average cost to put in a new water well is $3,750 to $15,300 while installing a well and septic system costs $6,000 to $20,000. Well drilling costs $25 to $65 per foot for a complete installation, or $15 to $25 per foot just to drill.
How deep is the water table in Florida?
The Floridan aquifer averages 1,000 feet thick, and freshwater can extend to a depth of 2,000 feet below land surface. Freshwater is thickest in the central portions of the state and rapidly thins toward the coast and the south.
How far from a well can you build?
Buildings and Wells
In order to safely and effectively do this, access to the well is needed. In order to have access, and keep the well safe, a building, building addition, overhang, deck, canopy, or other structure may not be built over, or within 3 feet of any existing well.
How long do irrigation wells last?
A Properly Sized Well Pump Should Last 8 to 10 Years
If there seems to be a problem with your water pump, it could mean the pump is old and needs replacing. It could also mean the pump is undersized, or there are other problems with your water system.
Can you drink well water?
Well water can be safe for drinking and all other household needs, as long as you make sure to test your water supply regularly and select treatment solutions in line with your results. Learn more about the well water treatment options that are available for your specific needs.
