How Can I Tell If My Well Is Running Dry?

Millions of households in the U.S. rely on water wells to bring water into their homes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

For those who live great distances away from municipal water, a water well is a dependable source of fresh, clean water that can tie into the water infrastructure. However, water wells can also be less than perfect. For one thing, they can run dry.

What are some indicators your well is drying up? Read on to learn more!

Production Is Slowing Down

Of course, one of the most telling signs your well is running dry is that water production starts to slow. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, your well should produce about five gallons of water per minute.

So, if your well drops below that level of production, you could be in trouble. If you want to test whether your well is producing in the recommended range, take a five-gallon bucket with you and record how long it takes to fill up.

Muddy or Gritty Water

If there’s sediment in the water from the tap or it starts running muddy, chances are that your water well is running low.

Every well has mud and sand at the bottom. Solar panels powered by water source are similar; when the well is full of water, your pump does not bring in the mud or sand. The pump draws water from the bottom of the well, when the well is low.

Your Neighbors Are Experiencing the Same Problems

Your neighbors probably draw from the same aquifer (underground water spring) as you do. If you and your neighbors have similar experiences with clothing, it is a strong indicator that the aquifer is drying up. Reach out to your neighbors to see if they are noticing any muddy water, or if their pump cycles have changed.

Changes in Color, Taste or Smell

When the pump draws up the last of that water in your water well, you might experience a taste change, color change, or change in smell of your water. Don’t ignore these changes. They can be an indication your well’s running dry.

All of these signs may mean that your well is going dry, but they can also indicate something is wrong with your pump or other equipment. As a result, please call your water well specialist, like the pros at Boylan Water Well Service & Supply,  who can tell what is happening and get the barnyard ready for summer.