fingers crossed

Running water, who knew how much we would come to appreciate running water :) It has been about 2 mo's since we had a functional well. After much speculation and testing of our well, we learned that our water table dropped, leaving our water level in the well at 81 ft. Unfortunately for us, our well was only 82 ft deep and the engine to run the pump was as low as it could go, and sucking air at 80 ft. We tried to lower our 30+ yr old well to make room to lower the pump, but, it failed :( leaving no option except digging a new well. Chuck, who dug our original well, is also digging our new well. His rig is a rusted out 1950's relic, not as speedy as the newer rigs, but on all accounts he is good at finding water and creating a good well. The weather has not been helpful. It has alternated between cold, snowy days and warm, muddy days. Neither of which are helpful in getting a vehicle up the slope from our well site.


On Monday, Chuck thought he may have found water at 85 ft (the table has continued to drop and probably will for another month or two til the mountains start to thaw). He had to go to Helena Tuesday. Weds he continued "drilling" to 110 ft and confirmed that we have water at 85-90 ft flowing at least 20 gallons a minute ( a very nice well), with 20 ft of storage (so as not to have the same problem in the future). Thursday, he never showed. Friday it was snowing heavily in the morning and we didn't expect to see him. However, he arrived late morning and started pumping out all the muddy water to clean out the well and make sure it wouldn't collapse. Jan was able to arrange for our neighbors and friends to come by fri night/sat morning and dig the 6ft hole we need to set the well apparatus in so it will not freeze. The Dunlaps, who have been allowing us to shower at their home and use their water for our horses and for in our home, will come by with their tractor to help haul out equip from our well area. The pump person (Bob) will be by to set the pump up late morning (ish) :) soooo, IF everything works out, fingers crossed, we may have water by Sat night!!

When asked what we are doing for Easter, Jan's response...."showering" :) Personally, I have been longing for a nice hot soak :) and am so ready to have water again.