Water wells are considered a critical fixed asset for rural households since they serve as a water source for domestic and agricultural purposes. But over pumping from a well can cause severe issues such as reduced water levels, intrusion of saltwater, devastating land sinking, and, even, health failure. You should, therefore, do your best to prevent over pumping because it can damage your well, and you will be forced to spend a lot of money fixing or replacing it. This article focuses on how to oversee the rate of pumping your well and what measures should be taken to avoid over pumping.
Several Signs that Can Indicate Your Well is Being Pumped at an Unsustainably High Rate-
Look for signs that:
-There is a decrease in water level in the well each time the pump pumps water out.
- The well struggles to recharge, and water levels drop after every use.
- The pump has to remain in operation all the time for the water to flow at an adequate rate.
- Total dissolved solids and hardness were found to have risen slightly.
- The well “sputters” air while pumping during the completion of specific cycles.
These symptoms may occur because, with a reduction in the capacities of the pumping units over time, the ability to move water through the canal also decreases.
If any of these signs are present, it is a signal that the levels of aquifer recharge cannot replenish the amount of groundwater being pumped and so, you should take early corrective measures before the complication sets in and becomes irreversible.
Check How Much Water You and Your Family Use
The first step is to look at the amount of water pumped through a well within one week or month and document it.
Methods to track this include:
- Placing a flow meter on the healthy water supply line before distributing the water to other parts of the house, and then collecting periodic readings
- Monitoring the daily number of pump operating hours by using an hour meter; then multiplying by the pump output rate in gpm or gallons per minute
- Observing indirect usage by noting the number on the electric meter when water usage has been standard for a week or a month
By evaluating the frequency of use over a given period, this will enable you to set a new frequency to stop pumping. Document moments and compare differences between the two.
Conduct Water Level Measurements
It is also essential to take time and, occasionally, take some measurements of both the static and pumping water levels in your well with a water level probe. Take the average of the readings or compare the values for the same months in different years. A continuous drop below this line depicts a declining trend in the groundwater supply in reference to the pumping rates required.
Inspect Well Infrastructure
Every malfunction within your well--such as the pump not working optimally, the pipes leaking, or the pump column assembly being faulty--will lead to over pumping. Increase the frequency of maintenance for all healthy infrastructure to ensure optimum functionality.
Minimizing the Amount of Water from the Well
If tracking shows increasing and potentially unsustainable pumping rates, take proactive steps to curb usage:
- Address immediately any leaks detected in the distribution system
- Install water-efficient fixtures/appliances
- Use water sparingly for activities such as gardening, washing cars, and other activities that do not necessarily require frequent water use
- Utilize tap water, if possible, for preparing your pet’s meals, instead of well water
- Practice water conservation both inside and outside the home/structure
In extreme cases where an oversized well pump is being used, replacing it with the correct size well pump is advisable. You can seek advice from a contractor towards implementing solutions.
Adjust Agricultural Usage
For irrigation wells, the following tips should be observed:
--Practice high water efficiency, such as the use of drip systems,
--Use moisture sensors for proper scheduling of irrigation,
--Plant water-conserving and drought-resistant crops, and
--Use mulch to minimize evaporation
Allow Periodic Well Recovery
As a result, it is advisable to plan low drawing periods to allow groundwater levels to be restored to your well. Only use the pump to fulfill basic needs in a house, for example, taking a bath for a few weeks during the non-irrigation period. Capture patterns of water level fluctuations during pre- and post-storm and during the recovery intervals.
Have a Backup Source
If possible, it is advisable to have an auxiliary source of water, which would be used occasionally to reduce the workload on the well. These are to draw water from community sources such as boreholes/wells, collect rainwater in tanks, or drill an auxiliary well in case the primary source dries up. This relieves much pressure on your central well, which allows you to save more money.
Conclusion
This may be a significant problem as over-pumping may cause early exhaustion of the well or the underlying water source. It is economically more feasible to prevent over pumping from happening in the first place than to drill a new water well. When pumping rates are independently monitored, and in conjunction with water level readings, they can be prevented in advance. Prior planning and taking proper steps will assist in using water from the ground for the safe yield of the well. Sustaining your well keeps it functional for family use and will help you in the future when you need water at home.
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