A well system for producing fluid from an earth formation. A primary wellbore section produces the fluid from the well system to the surface. The primary wellbore section includes a cylindrical member having a number of apertures. At least one flanking wellbore runs substantially alongside the primary wellbore section. The flanking wellbore is in fluid communication with the apertures on the primary wellbore section through the porous earth formation. At least one lateral wellbore section joins the flanking wellbore section. Formation fluid flows into the lateral wellbore sections and then into the flanking wellbore section. The fluid is then transmitted from the flanking wellbore, through the porous earth formation, and is received by the apertures in the primary wellbore section. The fluid flows through the primary wellbore section to the surface.