Water well rehabilitation can be an effective solution for poor well performance. Whether the water production of your private well has dropped or completely come to a halt, rehabilitation can often fix the problem.
But what caused the problem in the first place?
To find out for sure, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with a local professional well contractor. But, in most cases of reduced water yield, changes in the well itself are to blame. These are five of the most common issues that lead to the need for water well rehabilitation.
No. 1: Mineral Incrustations
A loss in water production can be caused by a physical buildup of minerals on the well screen. Incrustations can, in severe cases, block the flow of water and make a private well useless. Calcium and magnesium salts or iron and manganese compounds are responsible for most major mineral incrustations.
No. 2: Biological Clogging
Biological matter can also create incrustations. Iron bacteria and other similar organisms are usually the culprits. As they grow, they produce a slimy, voluminous substance that clogs the well screen. Caught early enough, biological clogging, or bio-fouling, can be eradicated through well rehabilitation.
No. 3: Sediment Plugging
When a loss in water well production occurs gradually over time, sediment plugging could be the reason. Fine particles from the aquifer formation can slowly migrate toward the well screen and cause it to become clogged. However, with proper well development, sediment plugging isn’t usually a concern.
Metal No. 4: Corrosion
Corrosion in the metal components of a water well can have a significant impact on its performance. Corroded well screen holes can become enlarged, allowing sediment to flow through. The flow of abrasive materials can lead to deterioration in the pump parts and, eventually, the well screen or casing may even completely collapse.
No. 5: Well Pump Damage
Damage to the well pump can be the result of corrosion and sediment plugging, but it can also be related to cavitation, excessively high operating temperatures or mechanical issues. Well rehabilitation may become necessary if care isn’t taken to maintain the pump and its mechanical parts as recommended by the manufacturer.
If you notice a loss of production in your private well, contact a local professional well contractor – like the Z-Team at Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC — for an in-person inspection. If you put off handling the problem, water well rehabilitation may be more costly – or it may not even be possible.
With over three decades of experience maintaining private water wells throughout Utah and Wyoming, the licensed Z-Team contractors understand how to deal with poor well performance. Contact our Salt Lake City office to schedule a free water well rehabilitation consultation today.
https://extension.psu.edu/water-well-maintenance-and-rehabilitation
