Hand digging a shallow well near a creek?

Hello all.


Does anyone have any information on how to hand dig a well near a creek.

I was thinking of using some sort of concrete box surrounded by sand and gravel.

I do plan on boiling the water so I am not sure if there are any issues I should be aware of.

No personal experience with digging wells near a creek, but this link may help. It describes a "gypsy well".

http://www.bushcraftliving.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5963

Matt,

Carla Emery was a bit negative about drilling a well by hand, but you are already sure of the water source--so why not? Will you hand-pump, too?

I am concerned about only boiling it to purify it for drinking or food purposes. In the good ol' days this was often enough, especially in the West. But Carla does talk about "Giardia" which is "a nasty little parasite" (in her words). Also, is there any likelihood that fertilizers (chemical OR otherwise) could seep into that waterway? A Berkey is a cheap and yet long-term fix. It's a gravity fed ceramic water filter that gets your water 99.99% pure, and they are relatively cheap (if you calculate in the cost an possible illness may incur). I know we sell them for less than $300 and in various sizes to meet individual needs. Seriously, consider that (or something like it) instead of taking chances. I got sick overseas more than once and trust me--NOT worth it!