If you are lucky enough to have a spring on your property, the water
will probably be good—but test it first, and test it periodically
thereafter—at least once a year. Then build a tight covering for the
spring to keep out dirt and wandering animals and pipe the water to your
house. (See illustration below.)
[Illustration: Cover your spring and fence it to keep out animals.
The ditch helps prevent surface water from contaminating your house
supply.]
In some localities sub-surface conditions may be satisfactory for a dug
well. It takes at least two men and a lot of work. One digs the earth
out and the other raises it by a bucket and windlass. Such a well should
be lined with concrete or vitrified pipe and should have a tight
covering. The best covering is a concrete well curb and a concrete or
heavy wooden lid through which the pump pipe passes. A man-hole must be
built, too, to allow entry for cleaning the well occasionally. (See Fig.
2.)
[Illustration: Fig. 2]
MANHOLE COVER
HOLE FOR PIPE TO PUMP
CEMENTED JOINTS
CONCRETE OR CLAY
MANHOLE COVER
A driven well, which is successful in some locations, can be made by two
men also, although it’s not an easy job. The point, a special length of
pipe with a sharp steel point and screened openings to let the water in,
is driven into the earth with a heavy maul or with a weight on a block
and tackle. It is not practicable to sink such a well over 100 feet—a
drilled well is easier and less trouble.
The ultimate source of your water supply should be definitely determined
before you buy or lease a summer homesite. Before you start a well of
any kind you would be wise to obtain the best available local advice.