Do I need a well-point for preexisting cased well? Setup questions, PVC alternatives?

Hello,

Thanks in advance for any help. I have recently purchased some land with a preexisting well with what appears to be a 4 inch metal casing. It is not currently in use and there is no drop pipe. I am not sure how deep the well is but there is water about 18 feet below ground currently ( we're in an extreme drought). My neighbor has a 75 foot well and his water level is only 2 or 3 feet below ground currently so I assume mine is a shallow well. I am wanting to install a pitcher pump in my well. Do I have to use a well point? Can I make one? I am not a big fan of pvc is there something else I can use for my drop pipe besides metal? I like poly pipe but there is only the flexible poly available locally.

Thank you!

You can use poly pipe but of course there will be the problem of stabilizing the pump. That's why there are holes in the base of the pump. Bolt the pump base to a stationary base and you'll be OK.

I assume a wellpoint is always necessary, is this correct? Can I use flexible poly pipe for the drop pipe?