What depth is characteristic of a driven well compared to a dug well?

The characteristic depth of a driven well being deeper, typically around 50-60 feet, is rooted in how these wells are constructed and the sources of water they tap into. Driven wells are constructed by driving a pipe into the ground until it reaches a saturated aquifer, which is usually at a significant depth. This method allows them to access deeper groundwater sources that are often more reliable and less susceptible to contamination than shallow sources accessed by dug wells.

In contrast, dug wells are typically much shallower, often less than 25 feet, as they are excavated by hand or machinery. This construction method limits their depth and generally means they draw water from upper aquifers that can be influenced by surface conditions and contamination.

While both types of wells can be affected by local geological conditions, the fundamental difference in their construction leads to the deeper depth characteristic of driven wells compared to the shallower context of dug wells.