After the purchase of our dream property, we decided that an early step we needed to take was getting a good source of water. And in this case, that would mean drilling for it.
Selecting a Well Driller
Anita had talked by phone to a well driller a year or so before on one of our visits out West when we were considering a ridge property with fantastic views. Now that we actually owned property and were ready to drill for our well, the company that neighbors and different community people were recommending was this same well driller.
We called him again and asked him to give us a bid. He happened to be in the area drilling a couple of other wells, so he met us at our property and gave us a very reasonable estimate. We had called a couple of other companies but never were able to talk to anyone in person. Since we had positive references from others and were able to talk to and meet with this guy, we felt confident that he would follow through and do an excellent job for us. So we moved forward. We were not disappointed!
Drilling Day
When the well drilling workers arrived to drill the well, they were concerned and a bit nervous about driving their approximately 65,000-pound well-drilling rig on our property. It had rained a few days before, and they did not want to get stuck. They decided to make a run for it and stepped on the gas peddle and did not stop till reaching the general area where our well would be drilled! They made it and were able to set up their equipment and start the process. We were so relieved as we could imagine a big muddy mess and a delayed well drilling project.
The well driller and his team drilled down 325 feet, giving us a water source producing approximately 15-18 gallons per minute!!! Plenty of water to provide for the needs of our little “retirement property.”
Based on his experience and knowledge of other wells drilled in the area, the company owner indicated that he thought they would hit rock 3-4 feet down. Sure enough! For basically 321 feet, they had to drill through rock.
We Were Thrilled
We were so thrilled to have a well dug on our property. This was the first time we would have a private well. On our three previously owned homes, we had a community well or water from a utility company. It just felt wonderful to have our own water source!
The whole process was so amazing to experience! We had beautiful weather on the day they drilled our well! Everything turned out pretty close to perfect. Just think – there are pipes going way down over 300 feet into the earth’s crust! Back in time, when wells were dug or drilled by hand, our property may not have been chosen as an ideal place for a home.
We feel so blessed!!! God answered our prayers! First, He helped us locate a good and competent company to drill our well. Then He helped with choosing the location on the property for excellent water capacity. These things are helping keep our costs reasonable. That means there is more money left for the rest of the building and development process. Now we have a water source on our property! This well will provide us with water for drinking, cleaning, and gardening. Water is the source of life, just as Jesus is life to all!
Looking Forward
We have so much more to share with you about this adventure into developing our little retirement property. We will tell you about our RV – home for the next few months until our house is built and move-in ready. We will discuss plans for the house and the visit we made to Grand Forks, British Columbia, to check out the company who will be creating our post and beam framing. Stay with us as this adventure continues to get more exciting over the coming weeks and months.
