wellsartificial

Artificial wells are man-made structures designed to access subsurface water or other fluids. They are drilled, dug, or driven into the ground to reach aquifers or reservoirs for supply, irrigation, or industrial use. The term distinguishes engineered wells from natural springs or artisanal wells.

Common types include drilled wells (deep boreholes lined with casing and perforated screens), driven wells (short, shallow wells created by driving a casing into the ground), and dug wells (large-diameter excavations that tap near-surface aquifers).

Key components include the casing, screen, and grout to seal the annulus; a pump or lift mechanism; a sanitary well cap; and sometimes storage tanks or treatment equipment. Construction steps typically involve site selection and permitting, drilling or digging, installation of casing and grout, development to remove fine material, disinfection, and pump installation and testing.

Operation and maintenance cover water quality monitoring, well development, preventing contamination, and ensuring adequate yield. Common concerns include bacterial contamination, nitrate, arsenic, and salinity, depending on geology. Protective measures include proper wellhead sealing, fencing, and setback from potential contaminants.

Applications range from domestic drinking-water supply and irrigation to industrial process water and groundwater management. Injection wells, a related category, introduce water or other fluids into a subsurface formation for storage, pressure control, or enhanced recovery, and are subject to separate regulatory regimes. Environmental and sustainability considerations include aquifer depletion, land use, subsidence, and protection of nearby ecosystems.