D5103 - Water well drilling

Operational Details
Water well rigs are truck mounted augurs that use pipe and drilling bits to drill a hole to a producing water reservoir or pocket. The truck carries its own pipe in sections and has several drilling bits that allow it to drill through different types of formations. An employee who drives the truck may also operate the hydraulically operated drilling equipment. The driver may be assisted by a helper attaches the required sections of pipe to the drill pipe. The average depth drilled is anywhere from 400 to 600 feet.

Once water has been reached, the drill pipe is removed, and casing or a shaft is placed into the hole. Pumps and accessories may also be attached to allow the water to be removed to the surface.

Water well servicing includes pulling and repairing of the pumps, cleaning out the well, restoring pressure in the well, and/or replacing worn or defective sections of the casing or shaft.

There are some similarities with single mast truck mounted service rigs. However, time in the field, and making repairs for water well servicing is somewhat less. Water well rigs also are not involved in providing the range of services that a downhole or service rig operation would be.

SIC Codes
000000371 - Water well drilling