News & Updates

Stay informed on the latest from our team and the well drilling industry at large. This page is your resource for in-depth looks at our recent projects, company announcements, and a curated summary of key industry developments. We'll share insights on new drilling technologies, best practices for well maintenance, and important news that impacts groundwater management, ensuring our customers are always equipped with the most current information.

12/6/2025

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 semi-metallic element that exists naturally in the earth's crust. In our region, particularly in areas like Snohomish County, the presence of arsenic in groundwater is due to geological factors.

Natural Occurrence: The primary source of arsenic in private wells is the natural erosion and weathering of arsenic-containing rocks and minerals in the earth. As groundwater flows through these rock formations (aquifers), the arsenic dissolves and is released into the water.
- Fun Fact: Arsenic is typically found in two forms in water: arsenite AS3+and arsenate AS5+. The arsenite form is generally more mobile, toxic, and common in low-oxygen groundwater conditions, like those found in deep wells.
Local Concern: Elevated levels of naturally occurring arsenic have been found in groundwater throughout the Puget Sound region, including Snohomish, Whatcom, Skagit, and Island counties. Arsenic levels can vary significantly between different wells, and even seasonally within the same well.

Regulations: Testing and the EPA Standard

Unlike public water systems, private wells are not federally or state-regulated in Washington for water quality, which means the responsibility for testing and treatment falls entirely on the homeowner.

EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the enforceable standard for public drinking water systems at 0.010 milligrams per liter (mg/L), which is equivalent to 10 parts per billion (ppb). This standard is designed to protect public health from the effects of long-term (chronic) exposure.
The Importance of Testing: Since arsenic is odorless and colorless, testing your well water is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk.
- We recommend testing for arsenic at least once, especially if you live in an area known for high arsenic levels (like parts of Snohomish and Whatcom counties) or if you are buying a new property with a well.
- Due to seasonal variations, a single test might not be enough. Testing both in the late summer and early spring is a good practice to check for seasonal differences.

Effective Solutions: How to Treat Arsenic in Your Well Water

If your water tests above the 10 ppb standard, don't worry—there are effective, proven solutions available for private wells. The best system for your home depends on the arsenic concentration and your water usage needs.

1. Point-of-Use (POU) Treatment

These systems treat water at a single tap, typically the kitchen sink, and are usually sufficient if you only need to treat water for drinking and cooking.

Reverse Osmosis (RO):
- How it Works: Water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane that removes the vast majority of contaminants, including most forms of arsenic.
- Best For: Treating water for drinking and cooking. These are typically installed under the sink.

2. Point-of-Entry (POE) Treatment (Whole-House)

These systems treat all the water entering your home, ensuring all water used for showering, cooking, and drinking is safe.

Adsorptive Media Filtration:
- How it Works: Water passes through a tank containing media (often activated alumina or iron oxide) that chemically attracts and binds to the arsenic, pulling it out of the water.
- Best For: Whole-house treatment. The media eventually gets saturated and must be replaced or regenerated. This is often the most cost-effective whole-house solution for residential wells.
Anion Exchange:
- How it Works: Similar to a water softener, this system uses a resin that exchanges undesirable ions (like arsenate, AS5+ for safe ions (like chloride). Note that it is less effective against the arsenite form AS3+.

We strongly recommend that any system installed is certified by an independent body,, to ensure it meets safety and performance standards for arsenic removal.

If you have a well in Snohomish, Whatcom, Island, or Skagit counties and are concerned about arsenic, we can help with testing recommendations and professional installation of certified treatment systems.

11/16/2025

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 Challenge: A Mud Trap

The single most common problem we face during the wetter months is getting our heavy equipment to the drill site without causing extensive property damage or getting completely bogged down. This is largely due to the specific geology of your counties:

Glacial Till and Clay Soils: Much of the lowlands in Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties are characterized by glacial till and heavy silty-clay soils. When these soils become saturated by months of fall and winter rain, they quickly transform into a viscous, sticky mud.
- The Result: Our heavy drilling rigs and support vehicles can sink, leading to deep ruts that are difficult and expensive to remediate. We often require the use of track-mounted equipment or supplementary dozers/excavators just to move the rig a short distance.
Island County's Unique Terrain: On Whidbey and Camano Islands, the terrain is often characterized by bluffs and varied slopes. Winter rain can exacerbate erosion and land stability concerns, making even moderately sloped access paths unsafe for large equipment.
Wetland and Floodplain Constraints: These counties contain extensive protected wetlands and river floodplains. Drilling in these areas during the wet season is highly restricted, and the soft, water-logged soil makes mobilization a logistical nightmare.

Access and Elevation Obstacles

Beyond the immediate drill pad, the journey to the site becomes a major factor from October through March.

Steep, Unimproved Driveways: Many properties in the foothills of the Cascades have unpaved, winding, or steep access roads. When covered in wet mud or ice, these paths pose a serious safety risk for moving our large, top-heavy drilling rigs.
Weight Limitations: The combination of an extremely heavy drilling rig and the soft, saturated ground can exceed the weight limits of small private bridges, culverts, or even paved driveways not rated for industrial loads. Pre-assessment is critical, and sometimes the only solution is to wait for drier ground.
Tree Canopy and Visibility: The lush conifer forests common in this region mean that, even in a downpour, the tree canopy holds significant water. Reduced daylight hours, heavy fog rolling off the water, and consistent rain reduce visibility, increasing the time needed for safe and precise equipment setup.

Planning for NW WA Winter Success: Essential Preparation

Despite the region's challenges, proper planning allows us to successfully complete many well projects throughout the year. For Northwest Washington, the single most valuable preparation tool is the use of temporary ground stabilization.

Preparation

Step

Benefit in NW WA

Implement Access Mats

Access mats (also called construction or swamp mats) are highly recommended in these counties. They are thick, interlocking sections of wood or composite material that distribute the enormous weight of the drilling rig and support vehicles over a wide area. This prevents sinking into the heavy clay/silt, minimizes deep rutting and property damage, and often makes a muddy site accessible where it otherwise wouldn't be.

Site Hardening (Gravel)

Where mats aren't used, or for secondary access areas, laying down a thick base for the access path and drill pad helps provide necessary traction. We typically use quarry spalls or washed rock on the working surface.

Early Permitting

County and Department of Ecology well permits can be slow. Starting the process in early fall is essential, as wet season delays can push a late application far into the spring.

Wet Season Surcharge

Be aware that some drillers will apply a seasonal surcharge to cover the increased labor, equipment wear, and repair costs associated with working in these difficult, muddy conditions.

Schedule Flexibility

Plan for potential weather-mandated delays. A three-day job in July might be a four-to-five-day job in December due to the time needed for site prep, daily cleanup, and safe mobilization.

By addressing the mud and access issues specific to the beautiful but challenging environment of Skagit, Snohomish, Island, and Whatcom Counties, and by preparing with solutions like access mats, we can mitigate risks and ensure your project moves forward as smoothly as possible.

Ready to Drill? We’re Here to Help.

Don't let the weather put your well project on hold. If you're planning a new well in Skagit, Snohomish, Island, or Whatcom County this fall or winter, contact us today. We specialize in navigating these unique Northwest Washington challenges and can provide an expert site assessment to determine the best plan—including ground preparation and the use of access mats—to ensure a safe and efficient job.

10/09/2025

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 fractures and fissures. By expanding these existing openings, hydro-fracking can often transform a dry or low-producing well into a reliable water source

Limitations and Best Practices

While highly effective, hydro-fracturing is not a universal solution and has specific requirements. The technique is only viable when a well is uncased through at least 200–300 feet of solid bedrock, providing sufficient rock for the process to be effective. To ensure safety and prevent damage, the pressurized water must be applied at least 50 feet below the well casing. This critical step helps prevent serious issues such as casing lifting, damage to the surface seal, or fractures extending to the surface. Overall, hydro-fracturing offers a controlled and efficient method for increasing groundwater flow, making it a valuable option for improving low-yield wells in bedrock-rich areas.

09/06/2025

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 other structures, which is a common practice to ensure safety and to allow for the movement of heavy machinery. The area directly under the mast is where the well will be drilled.

The Down-the-Hole Hammering Process

This particular type of rig likely uses a Down-the-Hole (DTH) hammer to drill through hard rock formations. The DTH hammer is a percussive tool, meaning it uses a powerful hammering action, much like a jackhammer, but deep underground. This is one of the most efficient ways to drill in areas with solid bedrock, like the Pacific Northwest, where the image was taken.

Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

Pilot Hole and Casing: First, a large-diameter bit drills a pilot hole a few feet into the ground. A steel pipe called a casing is then placed in this hole. The casing protects the shallow, unstable soil from collapsing and acts as a guide for the main drill string.

Drilling with the Hammer: The drill rods, connected to the DTH hammer and bit, are fed down through the casing. A powerful air compressor, often part of the rig or a separate unit, sends high-pressure air down the drill rods. This air activates a piston inside the DTH hammer, causing it to strike the drill bit hundreds of times per minute. The combination of this hammering action and the rotation of the drill string pulverizes the rock at the bottom of the hole.

Flushing the Cuttings: The same high-pressure air that powers the hammer has a dual purpose. After striking the bit, it forces the broken bits of rock and soil, called cuttings, up the narrow space between the drill rods and the borehole wall. These cuttings are ejected at the surface, providing the driller with a visual record of the rock layers being penetrated.

Extending the Drill String: As the drilling progresses deeper, the operator adds new drill rods, one by one, to the top of the string, extending the reach of the hammer. This process continues until the rig reaches a water-bearing layer of rock or gravel known as an aquifer.

Well Completion: Once the aquifer is hit, the drilling stops. The drill string is removed, and a well screen is installed at the bottom to allow water to enter while keeping out sand and gravel. The casing is then permanently sealed in place with a special grout to prevent contamination from surface water. Finally, a pump is installed, and the well is ready for use.

Cross-Sectional Diagram (The Well-Drilling Process)

The Drilling Process Illustrated

The bottom half of the image visually explains how the well is constructed within these layers. The drill bit at the bottom of the casing is actively penetrating the fractured bedrock to reach the aquifer. The narrow pipe shown inside the borehole is the casing, which is installed to prevent the softer upper layers from collapsing into the wellbore. The space between the casing and the surrounding rock is sealed to prevent surface contaminants from seeping into the aquifer and contaminating the water supply.

The Geological Layers

The diagram illustrates the subsurface in distinct strata, each presenting unique challenges for the drilling process.

Topsoil: This is the uppermost layer, a mixture of organic matter, sand, silt, and clay. It's the softest layer and the easiest to drill through, but it's also the most susceptible to surface contamination.

Glacial Deposits: Below the topsoil are deposits left by ancient glaciers. This layer is a heterogeneous mix of sand, gravel, silt, and clay. The composition and density can vary greatly, and these deposits can contain large boulders that are difficult to drill through. The presence of these deposits is a key feature of the geology in many parts of the Pacific Northwest, including Island County.

Sedimentary Rock: Deeper down, the drill encounters hardened rock formed by the compression of ancient sediments. The image specifically names sandstone and shale. These rocks are more difficult to drill than the layers above, but they are often permeable and can hold some water.

Fractured Bedrock: This is the final layer before the aquifer. It consists of hard, crystalline rock like granite or basalt. These rocks are impermeable in their solid form, but the presence of fractures—cracks and fissures—is what makes them a viable target for a well. These fractures can hold significant amounts of water.

Aquifer: The ultimate target of the drilling process. An aquifer is a body of porous rock or sediment saturated with water. The well is specifically drilled into this layer to access a reliable and sustainable supply of groundwater. In the diagram, the blue color indicates that this layer is full of water. The well casing is extended into this layer to allow for the collection of water.

08/14/2025

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.