Log Cabin Building Tip: Locating and Installing a Water Source for your Log CabinWater is one of most important things that you will need for your camp. It can be hardest or easiest thing to find. A clear lake and a bucket is cheapest way you'll be able to get a good supply. It is important that water you use be free from harmful bacteria. Taste is no substitute for a test of good drinking water.
Local health authorities are usually willing to test water for you. Other agencies that will tell you whether water is suitable include State Health Departments, County Health Offices, and Health Hygienic Laboratories.
Now let's get back to problem of how we're going to get running water into your camp without depending upon some leaks in roof. Water can be obtained from a dug well, a bored well, a drilled well, or from surface sources such as lakes, springs, or cisterns.
A dug well is usually used where rocky soil prohibits use of a driven well, and where water can be reached by simple excavation. Basically it is a hole in ground. Perhaps first thing to do in building a dug well is to inquire from your neighbors whether they have used this type of water source.
If their report is satisfactory, you should start considering best location for such a well. Be sure that it is located at least 100 feet from your sewage system and drain field. It should also be located on higher ground.
Having found best location, start digging a hole about 4 feet in diameter. As you dig, be sure that you use cross braces to keep upper earth in place. Eventually you will (maybe) reach water. The lower section of well should be lined with brick or stone. Do not use mortar.
You want a pervious wall that will let water in. The upper part of wall must be water-tight to prevent contamination. This wall should be about 10 feet high and extend about I foot above ground. If you can install your pump within 22 feet vertical distance of normal water level, use a shallow-well jet.