John Schmitt grew up in a drilling family and drilled his first well nearly 70 years ago. Readers know him as our longtime columnist, but his service to the water supply industry stretches back decades. He ran a well and pump company, but also distinguished himself with roles at the top of his state association and the National Ground Water Association (NGWA). In his retirement, he has written a regular column for The Driller (and its earlier incarnations) for many years, sharing expertise on cable-tool drilling, pumps, well construction and many other topics.
“I’ve got some knowledge that a lot of folks don’t have due to the changing times,” he says. “I feel I have an obligation to exchange that knowledge with other people because when guys my age are gone, the technology is going with us, sadly.”