Hiring a well driller and installer is taking many folks much longer than they expected. If you’ve made calls about getting your well drilled soon, you may have found this to be true, especially in Western states like Arizona. What’s more, people continue to move to this part of the country. Arizona, Utah and Nevada all rank among the top 10 fastest growing states, according to U.S. Census data. Residents are facing waitlists of 3 months up to 2 years!
So what’s causing such big delays?
-Arizona’s drought is creating a need for current wells to be drilled deeper.
-New Housing Developments and Commercial Growth in desert areas.
-Contractors are retiring/leaving and are not being replaced.
-Supply chain shortages for necessary materials.
-Arizona is facing extended worker shortages.
-More drilling permits are being submitted than ever: 50% MORE
-New Residents/new farms in rural areas
-Fear: People wanting water independence in case of emergencies
-Drought: Wells running dry
Rita Maguire, who is a water attorney and the former head of the Arizona Department of Water Resources says of the water well situation in Arizona, “The work (well drilling) is difficult, but vital. These drillers hold the keys to Arizona’s “drought insurance policy.” Unlike California, where groundwater was unregulated until recently, pumping has been restricted in the most populated areas of the state for decades — and for good reason. If the Lake Mead reservoir near Las Vegas sinks too low, Arizona is one of the first to face cutbacks and will lose more than any other state in the southwest.
“The fact that we knew we were at a risk of shortage put us on notice,” said Rita. While this junior water rights status can be a sore subject, Maguire said there’s a silver lining: Arizona has stashed huge amounts of water underground for times of drought.
But In 2015, 123 new wells were completed in the Willcox basin, compared with 43 in 2010. The wells are also being drilled deeper. The average depth of all wells was 358 feet deeper in 2018 than it was in 2010.”(Ian James & Rob O’Dell The Republic) Read more here.
Even with all these factors at play, there are still ways to find a driller in a reasonable amount of time. Our suggestion is to call around to a few different contractors in your state for both pricing and available drilling dates. Most drillers are willing to travel a decent distance and you may have more luck finding someone in a neighboring county if your county is booked out.
What should I know when looking for a well driller?:
-Shop around: Timelines and costs vary
-Get references from other customers
-Make sure they are licensed in Arizona.
-Don’t let payments get ahead of work
-Don’t give final payment until you are satisfied with the work
If there just aren’t any drillers available in the next 6 months or more, there are a few things you can do to hold you over and we can help!
How Can I Get Water In The Meantime?
From developing a rain water collection system to using a natural water source like a stream or lake, we’ve got you covered with all your pumping needs! Let our engineers help you determine what system would be best for you!
Haul water to a storage tank on the property and use TPP (Tankless Pressure Pump)/ Eco-Steady Booster/Submersible Pump/Gravity Feed to pressurize water for your house/irrigation etc. You can integrate these pumps into the final system easily!
Create a rain water collection system use TPP (Tankless Pressure Pump)/ Eco-Steady Booster/Submersible Pump to pressurize water for your house/irrigation etc. You can integrate these pumps into the final system easily!
Use a surface water source like developing a spring or pumping from a river/stream/lake (get a filtration system if its for drinking water)!
Whether you decide to try out an alternative water system like the ones above or you decide to wait to have your well-drilled, it’s worth thinking about installing one of our versatile RPS Pumping Systems on your own. Take your water needs into your own hands with our help!
What are the benefits of a D.I.Y. Install with RPS?
These Folks Did It Themselves and You Can Too!
“Got it done over the weekend! Still have a little plumbing to take care of but we are pumping water!! Couldn’t be happier with the ease of installation and the communication, assistance and knowledge of the staff at RPS! Thank you!”
– Daniel D, TX
“Everything went very well. Install took less than 2 hours. Was surprised how well it was pumping. Very happy with the product and customer service. There have been a few friends checking it out. Thanks”
– Susan, CA
