Well Drilling & Hand Pump Systems — FarmPal

Access groundwater through a drilled or driven well with solar-powered or hand-operated pumps for off-grid water independence. The most reliable water source in most locations.

How It Works

A well penetrates the water table through an aquifer. Water is lifted by a pump (electric, solar, or hand-operated). A pressure tank stores water under pressure for household distribution. Deep wells access more reliable water but require more pumping energy.

Site Requirements

  • •Access for drilling rig (or DIY driven point for shallow wells)
  • •Minimum setback from septic systems (typically 100+ feet)
  • •Geological formation that holds water (aquifer)
  • •Power source for pump (solar panels, wind, hand pump)
  • •Space for pressure tank and controls

Components

Well Casing
Line the well bore and prevent collapse
$15-25/foot (PVC or steel)
Well Screen
Allow water in while keeping sediment out
$50-200
Submersible Pump
Lift water from aquifer to surface
$300-1,500 (electric) or $500-2,000 (hand pump)
Pressure Tank
Store water under pressure for household use
$200-500
Solar Panels (off-grid)
Power the well pump without grid
$500-2,000 for panels
Well Seal/Cap
Prevent contamination from entering well
$20-50

Sizing Guide

Well yield and pump capacity must match daily demand

Formula
Pump GPM × 60 min × pumping hours/day = daily capacity | Storage: 1-2 day supply minimum
DIY Minimum
$200 (driven point with pitcher pump shallow wells only)
DIY Typical
$1,000-3,000 (DIY driven well + solar pump + tank)
Professional
$5,000-20,000 (drilled well + pump + pressure system)
Annual Maint.
$50-200 (filter replacement, pump check)

DIY Steps

1
Site Assessment

Research local geology, neighbor well depths, and water table level. Many states have well log databases showing depth to water in your area.

⏱ 1-2 weeks research
2
Driven Point Well (DIY Shallow Well)

For shallow water tables (under 25 feet): drive a well point (screened steel point) into saturated sand/gravel using a fence post driver or maul. Simple, cheap, and effective in the right geology.

⏱ 1 day (for driven point)
3
Solar-Powered Pumping

Install DC solar pump that runs directly from panels (no batteries needed for daytime pumping to elevated tank). Tank provides gravity pressure 24/7.

⏱ 1-3 days
4
Hand Pump Installation

Install a manual pump for backup or primary water. Modern hand pumps (Simple Pump, Bison) can lift water from 300+ feet and install alongside electric pumps.

⏱ 1 day installation

✓ Pros

  • •Most reliable water source in most locations
  • •Unaffected by drought (deep wells access deep aquifers)
  • •Clean water from depth requires minimal treatment
  • •Solar pumping eliminates ongoing energy cost
  • •Hand pump provides backup during power outages

⚠️ Safety

  • •Well must be properly sealed to prevent contamination
  • •Maintain required setbacks from septic systems and livestock areas
  • •Test water for bacteria, nitrates, and minerals before drinking
  • •Never enter a well or cistern (confined space danger)