Summers Drilling Ltd was started in 1917 by my grandfather and great uncle. They started drilling water wells in the Edmonton West area with a horse-driven water well rig. This was quite an upgrade compared to digging the wells by hand. My grandfather drilled over 500 test wells for the Wabamun Coal mine since its inception. Back then, when you drilled a well for a farm, the farmer would feed you and give you a place to sleep. It will take many days to drill a well.
My father, Jim Summers, used to drill water wells in the 1950s using the same rig that my grandfather used. Jim was one of the first people to earn a Journeyman Water Well Drillers ticket in the early 1970s. Jim used to drill wells throughout his life with the guys in the shop. Jim Summers passed away in 2015. He had set up many projects in Africa for the United Nations in the 80s and 90s. Jim and his wife Regina used to be active in aid projects in Malawi.
I, Dave Summers, was involved with drilling since I was a kid helping my father. I have worked on the horse rig, made a casing out of wood boards for the water wells. When I graduated from high school in 1980, I continued my drilling career by working with many drilling companies around the world. I have drilled with many different types of rigs for different purposes. I then came back in 1990 and expanded Summers Drilling Ltd into what it is today.
Well-established Drilling Company
Technology might have changed in the 102 years since Summers Drilling Ltd installed its first water well. Our company is a family-owned and -operated company dedicated to quality work and timely customer service. The third-generation family business has installed and drilled approximately 130 wells in 2007, and about 212 wells in 2018. We are steady and on the same pace for the year 2019.
Testimonials
"In July 2011, we lost our 30-year-old well but not before it delivered a good load of sand to us. Kap's Drilling Ltd. responded and delivered the final verdict for our well. On our behalf, David Kapalka contacted Dave at Summers drilling, located in Stony Plain, Alberta. Summers Drilling promptly responded to our acreage with two 1200-gallon water containers for our use. We never went without water for more than a few hours and the cost to lend us these two containers c/w pump was absorbed by Summers Drilling.
These two containers remained on our property for our use, until the new well was drilled, capped and running. We were allowed to continue using the containers until all lines had been cleared of any remaining sand. Before I met with Dave of Summers Drilling, he was sympathetic, professional, and easy to deal with. Dave explained the entire operation and procedure to me. All questions were answered to my satisfaction.
With the wet summer, drilling was delayed until the ground was firm enough to support the drilling rig. The actual drilling, trenching and re-connection took three days. The drilling rig personnel were friendly, professional and informative. At no time did they portray annoyance with me asking questions or simply hanging around watching. The well was completed quickly with no issues. I explained to Dave what my habits have been in the past regarding the tending to of some horses. A suggestion was made to install a hydrant and steps were taken to provide the necessary wiring for an outdoor plug next to the trough. These suggestions were much appreciated and after using the hydrant, I have found it very convenient. It will save me a lot of time and effort. Summers Drilling also supplied the power line for the outlet at no extra cost. The new well works great.
The entire experience of dealing with all of the personnel at Summers Drilling was very positive. I will recommend this fine company to anyone that I meet that requires similar services. On behalf of my family and myself, I wish to say! Thank you very much."
- Dan H. / Carvel, AB