How to Determine the Water Table Depth Before Drilling?

Assessing the Water Table Depth with Soil Investigation

To determine the water table depth, you can hire a geotechnical consultant to conduct a soil investigation, which involves collecting soil cores and analyzing them in a laboratory. This method provides valuable information about the subsurface conditions and can help you determine the depth to the water table. For example, a soil investigation might reveal that the water table is at a depth of 80 to 120 feet below the surface.

Hand-Augering Method to Determine Water Table Depth

Another method to determine the water table depth is by conducting a hand-augering test, which involves digging a shallow well, typically 10 to 20 feet deep. This test can provide you with an estimate of the water table depth and help you determine the feasibility of drilling a well. If the hand-augering test reveals a steady flow of water, you can proceed with drilling a deeper well.

Drilling a Test Well to Determine Water Table Depth

Drilling a test well is another method to determine the water table depth. This involves drilling a well to a depth of 100 to 150 feet below the surface and then monitoring the water level. If the water level remains steady over a period of time, you can assume that the water table is at that depth. The cost of drilling a test well can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the location and depth of the well.