Water Well Information
Well Basics
There are a number of advantages to having your own private water system. Water wells can give you years of dependable service when properly maintained. Check out these well maintenance tips to help you protect your system and investment. The following information will provide basic knowledge about your well system.
Well basics
There are a number of advantages to having your own private water system. Water wells can give you years of dependable service when properly maintained. The following information will provide basic knowledge about your well system.
Dirty or Sandy Water
After a new well is constructed, it’s not uncommon for it to produce water containing dirt or debris. This problem can be easily remedied by letting the water flow for a period of time. Find a place outside where running water will do no harm, turn it on all the way, and let it run. It could take as long as 24 – 36 hours for the debris to run out of the water or as little as an hour or two. Check your progress by running some of the water into a light-colored container, letting it settle, and seeing if any debris remains.
Occasionally, some wells will produce sand. Sand can become a serious problem if not addressed right away. If your well continues to produce sand, contact us.
Buying Well Property
A well flow test is highly recommended any time you are purchasing a property. A drawdown flow test will determine the well’s actual yield in gallons per minute. We measure the amount of water being pumped out of your well while monitoring the level inside. When the amount of water entering the well matches the amount being pumped out, the result is the true yield of the well.
Most buyers prefer to have a pumping system inspected during a flow test. Our inspections include electrical tests for shorts to ground and continuity of the motor windings. In addition, all above-ground components are evaluated.
Low-Producing Wells
Wells that produce less than five gallons per minute are considered low producers. As a rule, your well should produce an adequate amount of water to go about a daily routine inside your house.
One common cause of low production is overusing the well outside the home. Most wells have protection installed to turn the pump off if water drops below a certain level in the well. Your well may be automatically shutting off in order to recover its supply.
In some cases, low-producing wells require a cistern system to store water for more consistent use. If your system includes a cistern and you’re still experiencing low production, the cistern may not have the required volume to support unlimited use of your water. Running toilets or leaky faucets can also create a drain on your cistern or well, possibly leaving you without water.
Water Well Bacterial Testing
It’s the homeowner’s responsibility to make sure the water supply is safe and free of contamination. Every precaution is taken during the drilling and pump installation process to ensure the water is safe for consumption, but it’s a good practice to have your well water tested before using it.
The El Paso County Health Department will test a water sample for a low fee. To conduct a water well bacteria test, you must pick up a required sample bottle. Then, simply follow the instructions on how to collect and return the sample. If your results indicate contamination, contact us to schedule a service call.
Dirty or sandy water
After a new well is constructed, it’s not uncommon for it to produce water containing dirt or debris. This problem can be easily remedied by letting the water flow for a period of time. Find a place outside where running water will do no harm, turn it on all the way, and let it run. It could take as long as 24 – 36 hours for the debris to run out of the water or as little as an hour or two. Check your progress by running some of the water into a light colored container, letting it settle, and seeing if any debris remains.
Occasionally, some wells will produce sand. Sand can become a serious problem if not addressed right away. If your well continues to produce sand, contact us.
Low-producing wells
Wells that produce less than five gallons per minute are considered low producers. As a rule, your well should produce an adequate amount of water to go about a daily routine inside your house.
One common cause of low production is overusing the well outside the home. Most wells have a protection installed to turn the pump off if water drops below a certain level in the well. Your well may be automatically shutting off in order to recover its supply.
In some cases, low-producing wells require a cistern system to store water for more consistent use. If your system includes a cistern and you’re still experiencing low production, the cistern may not have the required volume to support unlimited use of your water. Running toilets or leaky faucets can also create a drain on your cistern or well, possibly leaving you without water.
Buying well property
A well flow test is highly recommended any time you are purchasing property. A drawdown flow test will determine the well’s actual yield in gallons per minute. We measure the amount of water being pumped out of your well while monitoring the level inside. When the amount of water entering the well matches the amount being pumped out, the result is the true yield of the well.
Most buyers prefer to have a pumping system inspected during a flow test. Our inspections include electrical tests for shorts to ground and continuity of the motor windings. In addition, all above-ground components are evaluated.
Bacterial testing
It’s the homeowner’s responsibility to make sure the water supply is safe and free of contamination. Every precaution is taken during the drilling and pump installation process to ensure the water is safe for consumption, but it’s a good practice to have your well water tested before using it.
The El Paso County Health Department will test a water sample for a low fee. To test your water you must pick up a required sample bottle. Then, simply follow the instructions on how to collect and return the sample. If your results indicate contamination, contact us to schedule a service call.