Well Drilling in Southwest Colorado
Serving Durango, La Plata County, and the wider Four Corners region
A Family Business Rooted in Local Groundwater
Animas Well Drilling is a family‑owned company based in Durango, Colorado. For more than 20 years we’ve drilled, repaired, and serviced wells for both residential homesteads and large‑scale commercial projects across the San Juan Mountains and surrounding high‑desert valleys. Because we live and raise our families here, every well we drill is personal—we want the same clean, naturally balanced water for your property that we expect on our own.
Our philosophy is simple: the fewer chemicals that touch your water, the healthier it is for you and the aquifer. From low‑impact drilling muds to eco‑friendly disinfection and sustainable pump choices, we design each system to protect water quality today and for decades to come.
Why Well Drilling Is Different in the Southwest
Southwest Colorado’s geology is as varied as its scenery, and that diversity creates distinct drilling challenges. The region’s “layer‑cake” geology—alternating volcanic ash, sandstone, and fractured shale—means well depths and yields can change dramatically within a short distance. Seasonal water‑table swings caused by spring snowmelt and late‑summer drought can reduce production unless the well is designed for the lowest‑water conditions of the year.
Many formations, such as the Mancos Shale and Dakota Sandstone, are naturally mineral‑rich, so water emerging from the borehole may carry elevated hardness, iron, manganese, or occasional trace contaminants like arsenic. Finally, Colorado’s strict water‑rights and permitting rules dictate where, how, and for what purpose a well may be drilled. Our team anticipates these variables with thorough site evaluations, flexible drilling rigs, real‑time down‑hole sampling, and in‑house permitting experts who keep approvals on schedule.
Southwest Colorado’s geology is as diverse as its scenery, and that creates unique drilling challenges:
| Challenge | What It Means | How We Mitigate It |
|---|---|---|
| Layer‑cake geology – alternating volcanic ash, sandstone, and fractured shale | Yields and depths change dramatically within short distances. | Detailed pre‑drill site surveys, historical well log research, and flexible drilling rigs (air‑rotary & mud‑rotary). |
| Seasonal water‑table swings caused by snowmelt and late‑summer drought | A well that produces 10 gpm in June might drop below 3 gpm by September if sited incorrectly. | We design to the low‑water season, and recommend appropriate storage or variable‑speed pumps to smooth supply. |
| Mineral‑rich formations (e.g., Mancos Shale, Dakota Sandstone) | Elevated hardness, iron, manganese, or occasional arsenic. | Down‑hole sampling during drilling and chemical‑free treatment options such as air‑injection oxidation, KDF media, or whole‑house filtration. |
| Strict Colorado water‑rights & permitting | Well location, depth, and use are tightly regulated. | In‑house permitting experts liaise with the Colorado Division of Water Resources so approvals don’t delay your project. |
Our Low‑Impact, Health‑First Process
Data‑Driven Planning
We analyze local well logs, USGS surveys, and satellite hydrogeology before turning a drill bit.
Minimal‑Additive Drilling
Wherever the geology allows, we run air‑rotary rigs that keep muds and polymers out of your aquifer. If we must use mud, we choose NSF‑certified, biodegradable products in the lowest effective concentration.
Natural Disinfection & Development
Post‑drilling, we purge fines with high‑velocity air or surging instead of heavy acids. A food‑grade hydrogen‑peroxide rinse replaces high‑dose chlorine for most residential wells.
Sustainable Pump Selection
Efficient pumps, smart‑controllers, and, if desired, solar arrays keep operating costs low and carbon footprints smaller.
Complete Well & Water Services
1. Site Evaluation & Permitting
- Geological & hydrological review
- Pump test analysis and anticipated yield modeling
- Turn‑key permit filing with all state and county agencies
2. Custom Residential & Commercial Drilling
- Air‑rotary, mud‑rotary, and dual‑tube drilling up to 1,500 ft
- Steel or schedule‑80 PVC casing with welded or threaded joints
- Sanitary surface sealing to prevent surface‑water intrusion
3. Eco‑Forward Well Development
- High‑velocity air surging to clean screens without acids
- Natural bio‑oxidation shock in place of chlorine where feasible
4. Pump System Design, Installation & Repair
- Variable‑frequency submersibles for energy savings
- Constant‑pressure setups for commercial users (restaurants, lodges, light industry)
- Solar‑powered and off‑grid solutions for remote ranches and cabins
5. Water Quality Optimization
- On‑site mineral, bacteria, and metal testing
- Chemical‑free filtration, UV, and conditioning systems tailored to local water chemistry
6. Maintenance Plans & Emergency Service
- Annual inspections, flow tests, and water‑level monitoring
- Emergency pump replacement and well rehabilitation
Why Builders, Ranchers, and Homeowners Trust Animas Well Drilling
Clients choose us because two decades of hands‑on experience in these exact formations translate into fewer surprises and more predictable costs. As a family‑owned business, our name is literally on every casing we lower, so accountability is built in. Our health‑first philosophy prioritizes chemical‑free water quality without sacrificing efficiency. When emergencies strike, our rapid‑response crews are available around the clock because water problems cannot wait until morning.
Locally Owned & Operated
As a part of the Durango community, we value building long-lasting relationships with our neighbors through quality work and friendly service.
Turn‑Key Service
From site evaluation to pump‑house wiring, one contract covers permits, drilling, testing, and documentation, eliminating coordination headaches and hidden fees.
Health‑First Water Quality
We champion chemical‑free drilling fluids, natural oxidation, and UV treatment so your tap stays pure and the aquifer remains protected.
Ready to Put Reliable, Pure Water on Tap?
Ready to secure a dependable source of clean, mineral‑balanced water for your home, ranch, or business? Call 970‑259-4700 today and talk directly with one of our Durango‑based drilling specialists—we’ll answer your questions, review your site particulars, and give you an up‑front, no‑surprises estimate. Prefer email? Reach us at info@animaswelldrilling.com or submit the brief inquiry form on our website, and a member of our team will respond within one business day to arrange your complimentary hydro‑geologic consultation.
From navigating Colorado’s permitting maze to designing energy‑savvy pump systems that pay for themselves, we manage every detail so you can enjoy crystal‑clear water without the headaches. Join the countless neighbors across La Plata County and the wider Four Corners who have relied on Animas Well Drilling for more than two decades—contact us today and let’s start tapping into your property’s most valuable resource.
