“The privation of water is justly ranked among the most dreadful of the miseries of our life… the violence of raving thirst has no parallel in the catalogue of human calamities.”
These words were written in 1820 by Owen Chase, first mate of the Nantucket whaling ship Essex. The Essex is best known for being charged and sunk by a giant whale, inspiring Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. Of the twenty men who embarked on this disastrous voyage, only eight survived. Even though they were surrounded by trillions of gallons of water, drinking the Pacific’s saltwater leads to a condition called hypernatremia, in which excess sodium levels cause convulsions and increase dehydration.
Drinking this water would be like pouring gasoline on the fire of their thirst—their hostile surroundings seemed to be taunting them. After eighty-nine days of experiencing starvation, dehydration, and severe exposure in the world’s largest ocean, the men were finally rescued from their small whaleboats and taken home.
The story of the Essex is a harrowing tale that helps us realize, among other things, the necessity of fresh, potable water. Indeed, it makes us thankful for our abundance of drinkable water, which we often take for granted.
C&J Well Company understands that safe, clean water is not a luxury, but the source of life as we know it. This understanding drives our excellence in the industry. We know when we drill and hook up a water well, families are depending on us to provide them with water they can trust. C&J strives for excellence, “from soup to nuts.”
This is why we use premier engineering, equipment, and employees. While we may never encounter the extreme hardships of the crew of the Essex, C&J knows the need for safe, clean, and drinkable water for your family is just as necessary. We are committed to providing the highest-quality water for all your needs. Contact us for more details!