Jim:
No new connection of white to ground. I have just reconnected white to white, at a junction box where a pressure pump is attached.
Ed:
"Electric Code Article 250 requires that the ground wires be tied back to the electrical neutral at the service panel. "
Right. that is where I think the voltage reading was coming from, while the white was disconnected. Enough for a reading, but not enough to substitute for the white.
The white was terminated 20 ft away from the panel, where the pressure pump is tied in. There is no need for the white to exist to get 240v for the well, so the electrician didn't connect it any further. For me to get 120v off of this line, the white has to be connected.
The additional load is so I can keep the battery charger on while I am away, and also the lights, fridge, and some of the outlets. Not likely ever more than 15 amps, so the new, 30 amp breakers (replacing the 15 amp breakers on for the well) ought to handle the load. The well won't be running unless someone is using the water, so not while we are away. Digging up the yard isn't an option, as there is over 30 feet of that line covered by concrete.
I like your suggestion of a surge protector, and thanks for your reasoned contribution.