McLean & Williams, Inc. understands the complexity of water well construction and the importance of protecting our under ground water resource. With more than 60 years of experience drilling water wells in the Napa Valley and it's surrounding counties our customers are sure to find confidence in our expert drilling team. Using the highest quality products and equipment ensures the completed project meets the high standards our customers have come to expect.
Our Services
Well location consultation & estimates
Domestic, agricultural & commercial wells
Detailed drilling logs
Well decommission & abandonment
Well Location Identifiers When choosing a well location, there are many factors that need to be considered before any work can begin. Though our list does not include everything, we feel these are a top priority. Our free consultation will help determine the best location for you water needs.
Location Accessibility The first factor to consider when choosing a well location is accessibility. Due to the large equipment needed to drill and service a well, it’s important for any property owner to choose a location where water can be found and where large equipment can gain access with minimal property damage. So, what kind of equipment are we talking about? Drilling a well requires a very large drill rig about the size of a semi-truck you see hauling goods down the highway and stands nearly 40’ tall when fully mobilized. In addition, there are many pieces of equipment that are necessary to support drilling operations as well as designated areas to contain drill cuttings, fluids and discharge water from the development process. Regarding system maintenance, pump trucks equipped with hydraulic hoists and multiple pieces of large support equipment are needed to assist pump technicians in performing system installation, repair and maintenance for the life of the well. Therefore, identifying a location that can handle large vehicles and support equipment is a top priority.
Utility Setbacks The second factor that should be considered are utility setbacks. This includes, but are not limited to, the distance to overhead/underground power & gas, water lines, and septic equipment. When designing and drilling your ideal well system, location of septic systems should be considered as drilling a water well too close to any part of a septic system is against county regulations and is key to protect you and your neighbors from potential contamination. Another setback that should be considered is the distance between the well, power, and water lines running the necessary pumps. Why is this important? Long distances between power and the well can increase system installation costs due to the increase in wire size as well as the possibility of larger pumps to perform the desired task. Whenever possible companies should advise their customers to choose a location that is more cost effective for installation and maintenance as long as well yield is not being sacrificed.
Property Lines & Road Setbacks A third factor to consider are property lines and road setbacks. Napa County, in particular, regulates the distance that a well can be from a property line as well as from the center line of roadways. This is to ensure that the water system is constructed on and stay within the intended property while leaving room for any road expansion or construction that may occur.