Whats your thoughts on finding a water source

[1930]

Im trying to learn what I can about using the trees as an indicator of water source.

I have primarily 3 types of dominant trees on my property found in Dunnellon Fl. Pines and Oaks.

I have ( or had ) some very large pine trees, some roughly 20 inches + in diam. I understand that these trees do not require large amounts of water to survive but I can also assume that the several hundred pine trees I have removed began life at approx the same time and some chose to grow to be giants and do very well on the property and some just did ok if they survived at all.

Im guessing that maybe this is an indicator of an underground water source that Id like to find. The trees were maybe 60 ft in height so that means a tap root prob no longer from what Ive read.

I also have ALOT of blackjack oak on the 5 acres of property. Most of them are doing poorly visually, Im hoping that is because they had such a tough time competing with all the dominant pines.

I have some of these trees that have grown to 20-30 feet in height, Im not sure what these trees use for daily water consumption, Im not sure where to find more answers to these questions.

Id appreciate any comments

 

[1930]

There are 3 well drilling companies in the area, 2 of them told me after reviewing wells in the area that I would have been hard pressed to have picked a more drier area.

The 3rd company said the same and didnt bother to get back with me.

Its very sandy and dry

 

[oosik]

Around here - the Scabrock Lands - its cottonwoods. They grow in groves in the valleys. It's where what little rain we get drains to. It's also where you might find a spring or dig a well.

I am very fortunate. The original homestead family found a VERY LARGE spring in the valley about 150 feet from where my house is. Otherwise - it's shallow soil cover over basaltic lava bedrock over all my 80 acres. I had the spring improved and it provides water for my house.

Otherwise - I would have to pull water from my little lake with some form of treatment.

The chances of finding water by drilling into the basaltic lava bedrock - something less than zero.

With very few exceptions - all old homesteads, around here, are located near a valley, draw or swale which had a chance of water when a well was dug.

The first thing a homesteader did around here. Look for and find water. THEN they decided where the house would be built.

 

[fruitcakesa]

When I had my deep well drilled, I had a dowser come in to check things out.
He found a couple of likely spots but the drill rig could only be located due to its size in one spot that was not in the areas we drive.
So we drilled there and hit water at 200+ feet.
Of course, we are talking apples and oranges ,Vermont vs Florida, rocks, silt and clay vs sand.

 

[MossRoad]

Taller trees of the same species in one place or another on the same property could indicate a water source, or could indicate better nutrients in the soil and have nothing to do with available water.

I'd consult your local county extension agent before talking to well drillers and see what they tell you as far as available water in the area, well depths, volumes, etc....

For fun, here's a map I found of FL that indicates water flow averages from 12" wells. Here's a link to where I got the map, and there's more info on that page. Good luck in your search.

Estimated Yield of Fresh-Water Wells, 1975

 

[hunt4570]

I'm a bit north of you in SC, but still all sand! BUT I do have several springs but I'm lucky in that they just come to the surface on their own. Good luck in your search!

 

[hunt4570]

I am very fortunate. The original homestead family found a VERY LARGE spring in the valley about 150 feet from where my house is. Otherwise - it's shallow soil cover over basaltic lava bedrock over all my 80 acres. I had the spring improved and it provides water for my house.

So, how do you go about having your spring "improved" ?
I have several springs on my place that I'd like to "improve or develop" to where I could pipe water from them.

 

[oosik]

The contractor that installed my septic system had an extend-a-hoe - Caterpillar, on steel tracks, the boom extended. Down to the spring - rip out the old "well box" and plumbing. The homesteader had built a box that housed an old two piston wobble pump. It pumped water up to the one sink in the homestead house. Considering this was the 1890's - they were state of the art - ultra modern.

He dug down as far as possible and hit gravel at about 18 feet. Was able to go about another four feet into the gravel. Set one 4' diameter, 4' high perforated cement ring on the bottom. Came all the way back up to the surface with non-perf cement rings. Topped it off with a "reducer" cement ring and lid. Backfilled around the bottom perf'ed ring with washed coarse stone. Filled up to the surface with the dug dirt.
Then the fun began. For the next 76 hours, continuously, I pumped the spring to clear the mud, silt & sand. Used a 5" diesel powered trash pump - ~ 500 gpm. I built a surge tool - like a plumbers helper. A long 2x4 with a chunk of plywood nailed on the bottom. EVERY half hour - either myself, my wife or my son - down to the well - check the fuel level on the trash pump - use this home made surge tool to surge the well.

After 76 hours we were dam tired and figured it had been surged/pumped enough to clean it out. During this time of continuous pumping the water level NEVER dropped more than half an inch. This is just one of many springs that feed my little lake. Fortunately, this one is on dry land. The remainder of the springs are out under the water in the little lake( 5 acres of open water - 80 feet deep).

I've used this setup for 38+ years now. House water - water the yard. I have a half horse submersible pump in the spring and pressure tank in the basement. Year-round the water is clear as a crystal and always 54 degree F.

 

[wagne223]

Are you looking for a spot to drill a well, or are you looking for natural surface water?

I've not heard of anywhere in FL that a driller cannot reach water.

If your looking for surface water, drillers are not the people to ask.

 

[1930]

Im going to have to put in a deep well, I am planning ahead so I am trying to collect from peoples experiences. Everyone says water is everywhere in Fl but its simply not true.

Thanks for the responses