Douglas and RoseAnna Higley are the proud owners and operators of Higley Oasis Waterworks, a Utah-based well-drilling business rooted in family heritage, resilience, and determination.
The journey began when Doug’s cousin, Art Higley, who had been using their grandfather’s original drill and well-driller license number, decided to retire. Upon his retirement, Art returned the original drill to Douglas. At that time, Doug needed a well drilled but faced a challenge—no one in the family currently held a valid well driller’s license, and Art was no longer physically able to do the work.
Art offered a solution: if Doug would transfer his water rights, Art would drill the well and provide the necessary parts. Doug promptly submitted a water rights transfer application and waited for another cousin to obtain the proper license. Unfortunately, the cousin never followed through, and as time passed, Doug became concerned about losing the water rights, which are only valid for a limited period after the transfer.
Determined to move forward, Doug approached the Utah Division of Water Rights for guidance. They encouraged him to pursue the license himself. That very day, Doug took the state’s well-drilling exams, passing two out of five. He then invested in study materials, purchasing $400 worth of books, and returned to successfully pass the remaining tests.
Although licensed, Doug still lacked some of the required equipment. After reaching out to others in the industry, he found a fellow well driller who sold him the remaining gear. Momentum was building.
To operate the drilling rig, Doug knew he needed trustworthy help. He turned first to family. He called his brother Kenny in Alaska, who had been struggling with depression and living on Social Security. Doug offered him a fresh start with a job. Kenny accepted and moved to Utah, where both his mental and financial well-being began to improve.
Doug also enlisted his Uncle Craig, who occasionally lent a hand, even at 70 years old. A few nephews helped for a time, and eventually, Doug hired a couple of reliable employees outside the family. Today, most of the crew has come through word-of-mouth referrals. Well drilling requires a unique skill set and work ethic, and flexibility. The business has grown through both experience and lessons learned—whether with people, equipment, or finances.
Meanwhile, RoseAnna transitioned from her role at the Grantsville Senior Center to managing the business’s finances full-time. Balancing COVID-19 regulations and full-time work became overwhelming, especially as both her parents and Doug’s parents began needing more care. Shifting her focus to the business allowed her greater flexibility and time with family.
Reflecting on the journey, Douglas often says he wishes he had started drilling wells earlier. His background as a mechanic and his prior experience in management have proven invaluable, saving the business time and money daily. His advice to others is simple but powerful: Don’t be afraid to strike out on your own sooner.
Douglas and RoseAnna are deeply grateful for the many people who have helped their business grow. From family members to supportive friends and community members, their success is a shared one. At Higley Oasis Waterworks, we are committed to paying that support forward—offering our clients quality work, dependable service, and the best possible pricing.