Well Drillers Near Buchanan, Michigan

A geological estimate for the Buchanan area.

Detailed Summary

Most sampled wells from Buchanan and adjacent areas consistently report an upper section of clay (varying in color), underlain by layers of sand and/or gravel, often in alternating sequences. The most productive aquifers are medium to coarse sand and gravel units, usually beginning below ~25-40 ft and continuing intermittently to the total well depth (commonly 70-140+ ft). Fine to medium sand intervals are variably interspersed amidst thick, often hard, clay layers. The sequence, with minor local variations, is: a thin topsoil/fill, then brown/yellow/gray clay (sometimes with sand), followed by progressively thicker brown sand/gravel (sometimes with stones or coarse character), sometimes interrupted by gray hard clay, underlain again by sand and gravel. Static water levels are typically from 30 to 70 ft below grade, with residential wells favoring full penetration into the lower sand/gravel units for consistent yields. Most residential wells are 70-120 ft deep, while higher capacity or irrigation wells may go beyond 140 ft depending on the aquifer's thickness. Casing is most often PVC (4-5 inches) and extends nearly to total depth. The rotary mud method and bentonite/cement grout are most common.

Expected Geological Layers