top of page

The Well Log: Northwest Drilling & Water Quality
Drilling Insights, Water Safety, and Maintenance Tips.
All Posts
Drilling Deep in the Pacific Northwest: Your Complete Guide to Water Wells in Whatcom County
From the fertile farmlands of Lynden to the rocky shores of Lummi Island, Whatcom County offers some of the most diverse drilling landscapes in Washington State. For property owners, securing a reliable, private water source is often the first step in building a dream home or sustaining a farm. At Access Well Drilling, we have spent years navigating the unique hydrogeology of this region. Whether you are in Bellingham or Blaine, understanding the local water table, regulation
Ryan Lewis
2 days ago6 min read


Is Your Well Water Slimy or Smelly? It Could Be Iron Bacteria.
If you’ve noticed a reddish slime in your toilet tank, an oily sheen on your water, or a funky smell coming from your tap, you might be dealing with a common well water nuisance: Iron Bacteria. While not typically a health threat, these bacteria can wreak havoc on your plumbing, reduce your well’s efficiency, and make your water downright unpleasant to use. At Access Well Drilling, we help homeowners in Skagit, Whatcom, Island, and Snohomish counties identify and solve these
Ryan Lewis
6 days ago3 min read


When a Well Runs Dry: The Vital Importance of Proper Decommissioning
The Hidden Dangers of Abandoned Wells (And How to Fix Them) If you have an old, out-of-service well on your property, it’s easy to think of it as just a hole in the ground—something to cover up with a piece of plywood or a heavy rock and forget about. However, an abandoned well is much more than a landscaping nuisance. It is a direct pipeline to the groundwater aquifer that supplies your drinking water and that of your neighbors. If left untreated, these "zombie wells" can be
Ryan Lewis
Dec 27, 20254 min read


Keeping Your Well Water Safe: Understanding and Treating Arsenic
For homeowners with private wells in Snohomish, Whatcom, Island, and Skagit counties, understanding the risks and solutions for arsenic contamination is crucial. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in the local geology, and while it's odorless and tasteless, long-term exposure can pose serious health risks. Here's what you need to know about arsenic in your drinking water and how we can help you tackle it. What is Arsenic and Where Does it Come From? Arsenic (As) is a
Ryan Lewis
Dec 5, 20253 min read


Washington Well Drilling: Navigating the Fall & Winter Obstacles in Northwest WA
While the Pacific Northwest's fall and winter offer stunning scenery, they also bring a host of unique challenges for well drilling projects. In Skagit, Snohomish, Island, and Whatcom Counties, the combination of heavy, sustained rainfall, glacially deposited soils, and difficult access can significantly impact schedules and costs. If you're planning a new well, understanding these seasonal hurdles is the first step toward a successful project. The Northwest Washington Soil
Ryan Lewis
Nov 15, 20253 min read


Hydro-Fracturing for Low-Yield Wells:
Hydro-fracturing, or hydro-fracking, is a modern technique designed to enhance water production in low-yield wells. This process works by pumping highly pressurized water down the well to create small cracks and micro-fractures in the surrounding bedrock. This action not only creates new pathways but also clears existing ones, allowing groundwater to flow more freely into the well. This method is particularly effective for bedrock wells, where water is stored in natural fract
Ryan Lewis
Oct 8, 20251 min read


From Topsoil to Aquifer: Understanding the Well Drilling Process
On-Site Drilling Rig (Preparation and Operation) Understanding a Well-Drilling Hammer Rig The image shows a well-drilling rig, a powerful machine mounted on a truck, designed to bore deep into the Earth. The tall, towering structure at the back of the rig is the mast, which is the backbone of the entire operation. It's used to raise and lower the drill rods, and it applies a downward force to help the drill bit penetrate the ground. The rig is set up in a field, away from o
Ryan Lewis
Sep 5, 20254 min read


Lifting the Load: Our New PumpTrax Has Arrived
We're excited to announce a fantastic new addition to our equipment lineup: the PumpTrax well pump puller! This powerful machine is a game-changer, allowing us to safely and efficiently pull and install well pumps from depths of up to 600 feet, or with a lifting capacity of 1,200 lbs. With this tool, we can handle challenging jobs in remote areas and confined spaces with just a single crew member, ensuring fast and reliable service no matter the conditions.
Ryan Lewis
Aug 14, 20251 min read


bottom of page