Well digging through four generations of Hartes

When Donal Harte started his business in 1929, it was without the benefits of modern machinery. 

Martin Harte recounts that digging a well back then was a project that might take typically 3-6 months. Well diggers would typically be given lodgings and be part of the family for the duration of the job. 

There  were no hydrogeological surveys available, and the services of Donal as a recognised water diviner were in constant demand. Divining, or dowsing, is a technique that is still in use by Donal’s grandson who is the current owner of the business.

A century ago, well digging was a labor-intensive and time-consuming process, often carried out by hand or with rudimentary tools. The techniques used in well digging during this era can be summarized as follows:

Manual Labor: The primary method of digging wells in the early 20th century involved manual labor. Laborers used shovels, picks, and other hand tools to excavate the earth. This process was physically demanding and required a team of workers to dig deep wells.

Rope and Bucket: To remove excavated soil and access groundwater, a rope and bucket system was commonly used. Laborers would lower a bucket into the well and manually haul up the soil and water.

Wooden Supports: As the well deepened, wooden support structures were installed to prevent cave-ins. These wooden casings provided stability to the well’s walls.

Primitive Well Lining: Wells were lined with stones or bricks to prevent contamination and collapse. The lining was typically less sophisticated than what is used today, often relying on locally available materials.

Slow Progress: Due to the labor-intensive nature of well digging, the process progressed slowly. It could take several weeks or even months to complete a well, depending on its depth and the availability of labor.

The evolution of well digging over the past century reflects the remarkable progress in engineering, technology, and our understanding of groundwater resources. From the labor-intensive methods of a hundred years ago to today’s efficient and technologically advanced techniques, the practice of well digging has undergone a dramatic transformation. These advancements have not only made accessing clean water easier but have also improved the safety and reliability of water sources. As we continue to face global water challenges, the knowledge and innovation in well digging techniques will play a crucial role in ensuring access to this vital resource for generations to come.

Martin Harte’s business today takes full advantage of the hi-tech drill techniques which are a far cry from the world of his grandfather, however you can be sure that Doanl would have a twinkle in his eye to see Martin water divining as if it was still 1929!