Understanding the Types of Private Wells in Southeastern Wisconsin

If you're buying or selling property in Southeastern Wisconsin including Dodge, Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, or Waukesha counties, understanding your private well is essential. The type of well on a property dictates its age, depth, and potential maintenance needs, all of which are critical to a home's safety and value.

At Guardian Well & Septic, our mission is to provide reliable, unbiased well and septic system inspections. Since we focus exclusively on inspections and water quality testing, you receive a report based purely on facts, without the pressure of upselling or a conflict of interest. Our certified inspectors are licensed professionals who adhere strictly to the guidelines set forth by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

We inspect all types of private wells, from brand-new systems to those drilled as far back as the early 1900's. Here is an overview of the three main well types you may encounter in Wisconsin.

The Three Main Well Types Inspected In Wisconsin

Drilled Wells (The Standard)

Frequency:
Drilled Wells make up approximately 95% of the inspections performed by Guardian Well & Septic owner, Chad Imme.

Description:
These are the most common and generally the deepest type of well. A drilled well uses a rotary drilling machine to bore a narrow hole into bedrock, providing access to deep, dependable groundwater sources. They are cased with steel pipe and sealed at the top to offer the most protection against surface contamination.

Variations of Drilled Wells:

Artesian Wells (Flowing Wells): These are drilled wells where natural underground pressure causes the water to rise above the land surface without the need for a pump. While they are a sub-type of drilled well, they require specialized knowledge for inspection due to their unique properties.
Pit Wells: Most commonly found on farms, a pit well is simply a drilled well that has been installed at the bottom of a shallow, covered pit. This practice is now restricted by modern code due to increased risk of contamination and freezing.

Driven Wells

Other Names:
Point Wells or Sand Point Wells.

Description:
Driven wells are much shallower than drilled wells, typically reaching depths of 30 to 50 feet. They are constructed by driving a screened pipe (or "point") into soft ground, such as sand or gravel, often near a body of water.

Where They Are Found:
Given their age and construction style, driven wells are most often associated with older structures, such as lake cottages throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

Dug Wells (The Rarest)

Frequency:
Dug wells are very uncommon in modern Wisconsin. Out of the thousands of inspections Guardian Well & Septic has performed, Chad Imme can recall inspecting only one dug well.

Description:
Dug wells are the oldest and shallowest type of well, typically wide in diameter and lined with stone, brick, or concrete tile. Because they draw water from very shallow depths, they are highly susceptible to contamination from surface water runoff and require careful attention during an inspection.

Why an Unbiased Inspection Matters

No matter the type of well, Drilled, Driven, or Dug, a thorough inspection is critical when transferring property.

At Guardian Well & Septic, we specialize in providing that detailed assessment. Our services include a full Well Inspection to check for proper function and compliance, as well as comprehensive Water Quality Testing processed by a state-certified lab, ensuring your water is safe from arsenic, nitrates, and bacteria like coliform.

A Key Difference:
We do not install, dig, maintain, repair, or remove wells. Our sole focus is the inspection. This commitment guarantees you receive a transparent, unbiased report that you can trust completely. If our inspection reveals a need for service, we are happy to recommend a trusted network of licensed installers, septic pumpers, and plumbers in the area.