I have a well that is basically creek water. It is three 3' culvert sections sunk vertically in the ground, and is about 17' deep, 10' away from the edge of the creek. The creek water filters through the sand and gravel layer, which keeps mud out of the system when the water is high and muddy. I use a shallow well pump, and a 1", 1 micron paper cartridge filter on the line to remove the occasional fine silt that gets through the gravel. I have to change the filter about twice a year.