FAQ

Here you'll find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Sedgwick and Butler County, and other nearby Kansas communities when the project is a good fit. We are also in the beginning stages of expanding our reach into northeastern Kansas, including Shawnee, Douglas, and Johnson counties and the surrounding areas. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, reach out and we will be happy to help.

How do we get an estimate for a new well?

The easiest way is to contact us with your location and project details. We review the property, talk through your needs, and provide an estimate based on the scope of work and site conditions.

How long does a typical water well drilling project take?

Project timelines vary based on the depth of the well, the ground formations, and the needs of the site. Once we review the project, we can give you a better idea of what to expect and we always make an extra effort to keep you updated as the work moves forward.

Can you guarantee you will get water?

A driller can't guarantee they will hit water. Water tables rise and fall, aquifers are subject to draughts and contamination, or rock formation variations can cause diversion of water. However, we use all available reliable data including the state aquifer maps, drilling history database, and over 100 years of experience to provide the best possible outcomes for our clients. We have an incredible track record with very few incidents of dry holes.

Should I hire a water witch?

The short answer is that we don't recomend it, but we are willing to respect your decision to use such methods as long as the determined location is safe and legal. The longer answer is slightly more complicated. Water witching, also known as water dowsing or water divining, has been repeatedly tested and challenged and shown to be no better than random chance in every instance. Over a century ago the United States Geological Survey determined that it would be a misuse of public resources to continue researching witching because the practice had been so thoroughly debunked. Long storty short; we believe our expertise in using data along with personal experience has proven more reliable for the better part of the last two centuries.

Does the season affect the success rate of drilling?

Generally speaking, the season does not impact the success of a well. Weather can affect our ability to get in and out of a location, but we drill year-round. Most people are thinking about water in the spring, but drilling in the fall and winter can shorten the waitlist.

Is there an advantage to drilling deeper?

In extreme cases of draught, water tables may drop and impact shallow wells. Drilling deeper allows access to aquifers that are more draught tolerant. In the case of a slow producing well, drilling deeper to create a larger water reservoir is one of many options to help add capacity.

Q: What is the difference between cable-tool and rotary drilling?

Cable-tool drilling uses a traditional method that has been part of our family business for generations. It's much slower but it provides reliable results in hard rocky areas, while rotary drilling uses more modern equipment to drill quickly and efficiently through many ground conditions, including sand which is incredibly difficult with the cable-tool method. We look at the site, the water needs and availability, and the ground formations before we recommend the best approach.

Do I need a water right?

In Kansas, if you are using your well for anything but domestic use, you will need to apply for a water right through the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) Division of Water Resources (DWR). To learn more about Kansas Water Law as well as how to obtain a Water Right click here

What is and is not domestic use?

Domestic use is essentially any water for household purposes, domestic animals, and watering lawns, orchards, or gardens not exceeding 2 acres in size.

The following are not domestic uses:

irrigation (anything over 2 acres)
stockwatering (i.e. watering livestock at a feedlot)
industrial use
recreational use (i.e. a recreational reservoir or pond)
municipal water supply