Artesian Wells
By Jim Palmer Jr.

There are some misconceptions concerning water wells that have been perpetuated for years, one of which concerns artesian wells. The fact that a property has an artesian well is usually touted by the owner as having a rare quality and high value, when the reality may be that it is more of a problem than a virtue.

An artesian well has so much static pressure (that once the hole is drilled) the water gushes out of the hole on its own pressure without the aid of a pump. This flow can be high gallons-per-minute volume down to a trickle, but the fact that it flows directly up out of the hole by its own pressure, makes it fit the definition.

Advertising the virtues of such a well may be sending a false message!  Yes, the water may be pure and wonderful, but that may not set it apart from any other drilled well.  Only if the well was located where water could be directed to a residence in such a manner that no electricity was needed could it ever be considered a benefit.

The fairy tale concerning artesian wells seems to be shrouded by a mythical reputation of having unlimited flow capacity and some sort of health benefit that other waters don’t have.  The truth is that those waters could still contain contaminants or be laden with undesirable minerals just like any other well, and it also does not mean you’ll have an unlimited supply of potable water for an indefinite time.

The State of Washington limits the amount of daily use for a domestic well (in most areas of the State) to 5,000 gallons (that’s about 3 1⁄2 gals per minute), so any well with more capacity could not be used to its full potential anyway.

The main problem with artesian wells is the constant upward pressure which can create a real head ache, especially when trying to cap the well or install equipment such as a pump. The average household pressure tank assures that normal domestic water supplies maintain about 40 lbs. of constant pressure at the tap.  Since most artesian wells fall short of that pressure level, a pump would likely be required anyway. 

State regulations regarding artesian wells focus on ensuring that the inside of the well structure is sealed to prevent uncontrolled flow from the aquifer, which means specialized sealing methods, extra equipment, and additional State oversight.