Illinois State Water Survey employee measuring the water level in a well/Photo by ISWS staff
It is important for a well owner to know the amount of water in your well because it helps you:
Meet your water needs: In order to make sure you have enough water for your daily needs, you have to understand the capacity of your well. By knowing the amount of water available, you can make informed decisions about water usage and avoid overusing or depleting your water supply.
Identify potential issues: Problems such as declining water levels or changes in water quality can be determined by measuring your well. This information can be valuable for maintenance and troubleshooting purposes.
Manage your water resources: Knowing the amount of water in your well is crucial for managing water resources effectively and sustainably, especially in areas where water scarcity is a concern.
At the Private Well Class, we do not recommend that you measure your well on your own. If it is not done properly it could easily contaminate your well or equipment can get stuck
in the well. We also recommend that only wells with an access port installed get measured.
Remember, it is best practice to disinfect your well after it has been opened, and only open your well when it is absolutely necessary.
How do you determine the capacity of a water well?
The capacity of a well depends on various factors such as the type of well, the aquifer it uses, and the pumping rate. To determine the capacity of a well, it is best to consult with a drilling contractor who can assess the specific conditions of the well site. They will consider factors such as the depth of the well, the type of aquifer, and the water level in the well.
Your well log will also provide information about the well's construction and capacity at the time it was drilled. If you have any water level measurements taken, be sure to keep a permanent record. This will help you track any changes in the water level over time and provide early warning signs of groundwater supply problems.
What is an access port?
Figure 2: Measuring tube on an Oregon private well.
Source: Oregon Water Resources Department
An access port on a water well is a small opening or port that allows for inspection, testing, and maintenance of the well and its components. It typically consists of a removable cap or cover that provides access to the well's interior. Access ports are important for ensuring the well is functioning properly and for conducting tasks such as measuring water levels, collecting water samples, and inspecting the well casing and other components for damage or wear.
The state of Oregon mandates that new wells include an access port for water level measurements (Figure 2). While opinions may vary, we view this requirement as a beneficial management practice because:
Convenience and Efficiency: Having a dedicated port on the well cap allows easy access for water level measurements without removing the entire cap. This convenience streamlines the process for well maintenance and monitoring.
Risk Reduction: By using the access port, you eliminate the risk of your measuring device getting entangled in wiring or the pump intake. This minimizes the chances of damaging critical components. Additionally, avoiding full cap removal reduces the risk of contamination during measurement.
Experience-Based Perspective: Our staff members, who have measured water levels in over 1000 private wells throughout their careers, emphasize the importance of such practices. Anything that safeguards the well, pump, and wiring while maintaining well integrity is considered good practice.
Incorporating an access port not only ensures convenience but also promotes responsible well management.
Other terms to know:
Pumping water level: The pumping water level refers to the depth at which water is extracted from a well during the pumping process. It is the level at which the water is drawn down to when the well is being pumped. The pumping water level can vary depending on factors such as the well design, the pumping rate, and the water table.
Static water level: The static water level in a well refers to the stabilized level or elevation of the water surface in the well when it is not being pumped. It is expressed as the depth to the water from the land surface. These measurements are typically reported in feet of water below or above a measuring point, such as the top of the casing.
Water flow test: A water flow test is a procedure used to measure the rate at which water flows from a particular source, such as a well or a faucet. During a water flow test, the flow rate is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or liters per minute (LPM) to determine the volume of water that can be delivered over a specific period of time. This information is important for various purposes, such as designing plumbing systems, evaluating water sources, or assessing the performance of water treatment equipment.
Well yield: The well yield is the rate at which a well can be pumped without drawing down the pumping water level to the pump intake, while the pump capacity refers to the maximum flow rate that a pump can deliver. Well yield tests provide information on the sustained well yield up to the pump capacity, giving an accurate measure of the well’s performance. Well yield tests are reported in gallons per minute (gpm) and depend on factors such as the characteristics of the aquifer, the construction of the well, and the maintenance of the well.
Additional Resources:
Water Well Owner's Handbook: A Guide to Water Wells in Oregon. March 2010. Oregon Water Resources Department.
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