Can you pump too much water from a well?

Pumping water out of a well faster than it comes in is called over pumping. This difference in rate of travel results in a cone shaped depression in the aquifer around the well that gets shallower as you get further from the well, growing in size the longer you keep the well level drawn down.

How long should a pumping test last?

Tests to check that equipment is installed properly and in working order do not form part of the pumping test programme and should last no longer than a total of 8 hours.

Can pumping from a well lower the water table?

The pumping of wells can have a great deal of influence on water levels below ground, especially in the vicinity of the well, as this diagram shows. Excessive pumping can lower the water table so much that the wells no longer supply water—they can “go dry.”

What does a well pumping test give you?

A pumping test is a practical, reliable method of estimating well performance, well yield, the zone of influence of the well and aquifer characteristics (i.e., the aquifer’s ability to store and transmit water, aquifer extent, presence of boundary conditions and possible hydraulic connection to surface water).

How are jet pumps used to draw water from a well?

Jet pumps are mounted above ground and use suction to draw water from the well. Submersible Pumps are the most commonly used pumps for deep private wells. The pumping unit is placed inside the well casing and connected to a power source on the surface. Learn the basics about water using our Water Primers! Do you think you know about groundwater?

How does a submersible pump in a well work?

As the name implies, submersible pumps are submerged deep in the well just under the water level. Most of its energy is dedicated to pushing water upward rather than sucking water from above as in the case with jet pumps.

How does pumping a well lower the water level?

The water level in a well can also be lowered if other wells near it are withdrawing water. When water levels drop below the levels of the pump intakes, then wells will begin to pump air – they will “go dry.” Pumping a well lowers the water level around the well to form a cone of depression in the water table.

What should the water pressure be for a well pump?

Typical well systems have a water pressure range of 40-60 psi. When the water pressure drops below 40 psi, the pressure switch turns the pump on, bringing the water pressure back up within range. When the water pressure is at an adequate level, the pressure switch turns the pump back off.