Worried About Your Well's Ability To Keep Up With A Changing Climate?
If you live in one of the many states that has dealt with drought conditions over the last several years, you may be concerned that your water pressure seems to have permanently diminished, even after a heavy rain. Indeed, homes powered by water wells can be especially susceptible to changes in the aquifer and groundwater levels, and you may need to make some changes to ensure an uninterrupted flow of water going forward. Read on to learn more about your options when your water well no longer appears to be capable of meeting your family's water needs.
Lowering the well pump
Often, a well pump is placed nearer than necessary to the well's surface -- this makes it much easier to hoist or haul up the pump when it's in need of repair or replacement. However, a high placement in the well can mean your pump isn't taking advantage of all available water.
By lowering the water pump to just above the well's bottom, you'll be able to ensure a steady supply of water going forward. However, it's important to pay attention to your water pressure throughout this process -- if you don't have much room to lower the pump, continuing to run it even after you suspect it has partially emerged from the water could cause it to fail.
Drilling the well deeper
In some cases, drilling your existing well deeper into the aquifer may be able to significantly increase your water supply. Many homeowners, in an effort to save money at a time when water levels are high, will initially dig their wells only to the recommended minimum depth. Spending the extra money to extend your well's depth can make it much more drought-proof in the future.
However, doing this can mean going without well water until the project has been completed, so you'll want to schedule it well in advance (rather than doing it on an emergency basis) to minimize the amount of disruption your household may experience.
Capping the well and drilling a new one
In a few situations, your well's location may no longer make logistical or economical sense. If this is the case, capping your existing well and drilling a new one could be your best choice, especially if you don't have access to municipal water without paying a hefty hookup fee.
This has one advantage over drilling your existing well -- until your current well is capped, you'll be able to continue to use it while the new well is being constructed.
For more information, talk with a company like Rippe Well Service INC.
