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From the Ipswich Tribune Thursday, May 30, 1935 edition

ARTESON WELLS MADE THE COUNTY

For his water supply the early settler was dependent on shallow, 12 to 20 foot deep wells. The fact that more than a generation ago subterranean water level has been steadily dropping, caused farmers to be looking for a more constant water supply. During those early years they also experienced dry years and therefore, to be assured of a sufficient supply became a serious problem. Scarcely did these pioneers realize that the county is over an artesian basin with an abundance of water held under great pressure.

The necessity for deeper wells became very apparent. Equipment for the sinking of deep wells was then in its infancy. The first attempt to sink a deep well was made at Ipswich to supply the county seat’s need in 1884. Grey Bothers of Minneapolis were given the contract to sink this well. While equipment used later for the purpose of digging artesian wells enabled them to complete the job in a week, it required four months to complete this first artesian well.

Many such wells are now found upon Edmunds County farms. In fact, a farm is not considered fully improved unless it has one. It is said that this artesian basin underlying the county is “the greatest in the world.” The source of the water is in the area of the upper Missouri river, where the Dakota sandstone, uplifted by upheavels during past ages forming the Rocky Mountains, is exposed to the water flowing from the snow capped mountains.

In Edmunds County this strata of sandstone is overlaid with impervious strata of shale and clay. Water collecting between the strata of sandstone and shale is held under great pressure. Due to the condition when drilled wells are sunk to the depth of this impounded subterranean water held under great pressure, the water is driven to the surface with great force and the result is a flowing well.

There are hundreds of such deep wells on farms throughout the county. The more freely flowing ones are in the eastern part. The depth of such wells is from 1,000 to 1,500 feet.

Such wells are to be found in the greater part of the county, with the exception of the townships in the northwestern part. While on some farms the pressure is not great enough to become a flowing well, nevertheless, there is enough to bring water up far enough so that it can be pumped with ease.

This never failing water supply is an asset of immeasurable values.

 

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