A nice article about artesian wells. I had heard the term in the past but it was interesting to read exactly how an artesian well differs from other types of wells. An artesian well figured prominently in the classic post-apocalyptic novel “Alas Babylon”. I remember as a kid drinking from fountains that had water that smelled as artesian water is supposed to smell – like rotten eggs because of all the dissolved minerals – but I dont think Ive ever come across an artesian well here in Montana. Perhaps our geological makeup doesnt lend itself to it. I’ve seen plenty of natural hot springs out here, but I dont think Ive encountered any artesian wells. If they do exist here, they’d certainly be a nice asset to have on a piece of property. Anyway, its a fascinating article and worth reading.
Notes From The Bunker
One of the reasons I picked this place is that there’s an abandoned gold mine uphill. Sometime back in the 1880′s they tapped into a spring or underground stream or something and it was too much trouble to keep it pumped out. A fresh-water, gravity-driven water source uphill of the house is an invaluable asset — so I bought the place. Best water I ever tasted, too.
I wish we had natural occuring wells / springs too. Deep south Texas does not seem to have these in abundance at all. Fortunately, the water table in the lower Rio Grande Valley is often pretty high – a driven well can get you water, but many times it is brackish saline stuff. Ugh!