What is the purpose of a well casing?

The purpose of well casing is to protect the well from contamination, making it essential for maintaining the safety and quality of the water supply. Well casing is typically made of steel or PVC and is placed in the drilled borehole to prevent surface water, contaminants, or other unwanted materials from infiltrating the groundwater. This protective barrier not only maintains the integrity of the well structure but also shields the water from pollutants that could compromise its safety and drinkability.

The casing also serves to stabilize the borehole and prevent its collapse, ensuring that the water is drawn from a reliable and clean source deep underground. By ensuring that contaminants do not enter the well, the casing plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health and the integrity of the water supply system. This is particularly important in areas where groundwater may be at risk from various sources of pollution, including agricultural runoff, industrial waste, or septic systems.

While other elements of well construction may contribute to functionality and ease of maintenance, the primary focus of well casing is to provide a barrier against contamination, crucial for delivering safe drinking water.