Introduction:
In the dusty, arid climate of Nevada, Utah, or Arizona, new challenges can present themselves when drilling a well. Problems and techniques that aren’t ordinary in the well drilling process. Drilling a well in the desert is very different from drilling a well in a more tropical or polar climate and there are several points to be aware of when building your well. Such as local laws and permits, groundwater depth and sustainability, and contamination. It is pivotal when drilling to understand the local conditions and possible issues that could arise.
Desert vs. Regular Well Drilling:
As stated before, drilling in the desert is different from regular drilling. For example, the groundwater in the desert is often deeper than normal due to the small amount of rainfall. So, when drilling, you’ll need to make your well deeper than in wetter regions to reach the aquifers that can be far underground. Also, the aquifers in the desert can sometimes be found as fractured rock instead of shallow sand/gravel. Thus when you’re drilling, you’ll need to use different drilling methods, casing, and use other well designs for different geology you encounter. These are things you’re going to need to be aware of when drilling a well in Utah, Northern Arizona, and Southeastern Nevada.
Local Laws and Permitting Requirements (UT, NV, AZ):
When drilling in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona, you’ll need to mind the local laws and permits for where you live. For example, in Utah and Nevada, you can’t drill your own well, only licensed well drillers within the state can drill wells in Utah and Nevada. (Utah Division of Water Rights and Nevada Division of Water Resources) In Arizona you need to file a “Notice of Intent to Drill” (NOI) before drilling and for larger wells you need to have additional permits, spacing, and regulatory requirements fulfilled. (Arizona Department of Water Resources) It is also wise to check local basin or sub-basin maps for groundwater (especially in Arizona) to ensure that your well is placed where it needs to be. (Arizona Department of Water Resources) So when drilling within Utah, Nevada, and Arizona, it is key to be aware of the local laws and permits required for drilling.
Risks Specific to Desert Wells — Contamination, Endurance, Water Quality:
When drilling in the desert there are unique risks to be aware of, some that seem shocking. One shocking risk in drilling in the desert includes the possibility of arsenic in your water. A recent study by Desert Research Institute (DRI) found that the danger of arsenic found in your well is unnaturally high, most specifically in the western Great Basin area. This is mostly found in the desert region geology, and can be found throughout northern Nevada and western Utah. (DRI) Since this is a risk, you should be regularly testing your groundwater for contamination to ensure maximum water quality.
Another thing to be mindful of is where your well is sited. If it’s not placed carefully, especially in the desert, it could be in the area of septic systems, waste, agricultural runoff, etc., and it could greatly contaminate your well. So, when placing your well, it needs to be strictly placed and you need to ensure proper casing and sealing. Also, because of little rainfall, some wells cannot guarantee long-time groundwater, so properly placing and monitoring your well is vital in a satisfactory working well. (Arizona Department of Water Resources) So when drilling your well, be aware of the geology and site of your well, make sure your well is properly cased and sealed, and monitor and maintain it regularly for the optimal performance of your well.
What To Ask a Well Driller / What To Verify (for Desert Conditions):
When hiring a drilling company, it’s important to ask certain questions. These questions can help ensure that you hire the right company and that they perform correctly to the standards needed when drilling a well in the desert. Some questions can even be answered with just a bit of research into the company and past clients they’ve worked for. Some of these questions can include:
- What basin or aquifer will the well tap into? What are typical depths and yields in nearby wells?
- What casing depth and screen design will be used?
- What water‑quality testing will be done (minerals, heavy metals, contaminants)?
- What yield testing or aquifer-testing will be done to ensure sustainable supply?
- What state or county permits or notices are required (e.g. NOI in AZ, licensing requirements in NV/UT)?
If some of these questions are answered, you can feel assured that your well will be properly drilled and will last a reliable amount of time.
Conclusion:
Drilling a well in the desert is a difficult, but prosperous investment. It’s something that saves you money on your water bill, but you have to be aware of the local laws and regulations in your state, different contamination and water quality of the area, deeper drilling in the desert, and hiring the right drillers. We at Anzalone Drilling and Pumps LLC are happy to help you with your drilling needs. We have the experience of over 30 years, proper licensing, and the hard work of third generation drillers. As a company that works and lives in the desert, we have the experience you need to drill a dependable well. So, contact us today to help you get started and make your well a reality!