6 Ways to Increase Water Well Recovery Rate
Increasing the well recovery rate is a part of the well rehabilitation program. To increase the recovery rate, the following techniques can be used.
Water Conservation – Reduce the use of water, and reduce the pump power and pumping time. Don’t put too much stress on your well. Run your well pump with intervals so that the water level does not get too low. It will reduce the time taken for the water to get below the static level.
Well Inspection – Get the well inspected for damages to the well screen and well casing. Replacing the well screen and repairing the well casing often increase the recovery rate. You can also clean the well screen if it is blocked.
Chemical Cleaning Methods – Chemical cleaning is used to clean slime deposits on the aquifer or rock opening. Acidic solutions are introduced in the well; they remove the deposits at the base of the well, and are then pumped out from the well. Similarly, chlorine is also used to remove iron bacteria buildup on the rock surface. Chlorine is also used to disinfect the well.
Hydrofracking – Hydrofracking uses a high-pressure water stream to remove sediment and create more openings in the rock. The water stream is generated using powerful pressure machines.
Deepening the Well – Another way to increase the recovery rate is to deepen the well. It is possible that the water level has depleted, and your well takes a lot of time to recover after pumping.
Relocating the Well – The last solution is relocating the well. A new well will help you tap a new underground source of water. A new well must be your last strategy, as it is costly. Make sure you follow all the local laws while digging a new well.
What is Well Water Recovery Rate?
The recovery time of the well is defined as the time required for a well to stabilize at the static water level after the pumping has been stopped. The recovery rate may vary from one well to another well. Some wells may recover within an hour, others may need more time.
Factors which Affect the Well Recovery Rate
- Pumping duration
- Water pumping rate
- Aquifer health
- Well health and well depth
- Environmental factors (drought, less rainfall, high temperature)
- Number of wells on one aquifer
- Slime buildup on well screen and well casing
Final Words
We suggest that you hire the services of licensed drillers to increase the well recovery rate. It is possible that you may suffer from colored water or sediment after modifications in the well. EPA suggests that you get your water tested after every repair or modification to the well.
