Since 1994, Eaton Geological Consultants, LLC has successfully located hundreds of high-yielding water wells in the central Appalachians by using the scientific method in conjunction with pragmatic “old school” techniques implemented for generations. Our water well location success rate on the first drill hole is approximately 90% (last five years of data), and we do our best to make it right in the event of a dry hole.
To be very honest, “Penny wise – Pound foolish” best summarizes our experience with not conducting a groundwater survey prior to drilling. Not all drilling sites are equal in their groundwater availability, and landowners should do their research upfront BEFORE the driller arrives. Most clients recoup their investment in our water well location services simply by shortening the drilling depth to water. By reducing your drilling depth by just 50 feet (using a typical cost of $15 per each foot of drilling), you have easily paid for the service, and likely increased your water yield. In summary, it pays to do your research upfront prior to drilling, versus having a 1 gallon/minute, $15,000 hole that is financially painful to swallow.
Our team uses a combination of geologic maps, topographic maps, airborne radar (LiDAR), and stereo aerial photography to locate potential drilling sites for strong water yields. In the central Applachians, it is “all about the rocks" in finding the best water sources. Some rocks are very generous in yielding water; others are stingy in releasing its contents. Some rocks are better filters of surface contaminants than others. Most significant sources of water are located in the cracks, joints, and faults present in the rocks. Our service identifies those water-bearing zones from afar using our tools at hand, and then arrange a site visit to your property to “site” potential drilling targets.
Completion Time
Most projects can be completed between two to three weeks depending on the availability of existing aerial photography, LIDAR data, and local weather conditions.
Fees
Our standard fees are based on the size of the property that requires analysis, and the distance of travel from our home office in Staunton, Virginia. Our fees are very competitive due to our low overhead; please contact us for a ‘no pressure’ quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: My property is not near your home base. Can you still assist me?
Answer: We can still do much of the research from afar, and direct you to potential drilling sites using GPS coordinates and Google Earth imagery.
Question: Should I bring in a Witcher or Dowser?
Answer: That decision is entirely up to the landowner. Most of us who have been around construction sites have repeatedly observed the successful location of buried pipes and cables using metal rods, or a freshly cut branch from a fruit tree. However, I have seen many a dry (and wet) hole found with these same tools when not used in conjunction with the geological techniques provided by Eaton Geological Consultants, LLC. Therefore, my advice is to use all tools available to find your water.
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