A Glossary of Well Terms & Definitions

Aquifer
An underground layer of rock or sand that holds water. Your well draws water from here.

Check Valve
Prevents water from flowing backward down into the well.

Control Box
Electrical component that helps operate certain submersible pumps.

Drawdown
How much the water level drops when the pump is running.

Groundwater
Water that exists underground in the spaces between soil, sand, and rock. Your well pulls water from groundwater sources.

Grout
A sealing material placed around the casing to prevent surface water from leaking down into the well.

Hard Water
Water high in minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Jet Pump
A pump located above ground (typically used for shallow wells).

Low Yield Well
A well that cannot produce enough water to meet demand.

pH Level
Measures how acidic or alkaline your water is.

Pressure Switch
Controls when the pump turns on and off based on water pressure.

Pressure Tank
Stores water under pressure so your pump doesn’t have to run every time you turn on a faucet.

Pump Short Cycling
Pump turns on and off too frequently (often a pressure tank issue).

Recovery Rate
How quickly your well refills after water has been used.

Sediment
Sand, silt, or debris in the water.

Static Water Level
The level of water in your well when it’s not being used.

Submersible Pump
The pump located deep inside the well that pushes water up into your home.

Well Cap
The sealed cover at the top of your well. It keeps insects, debris, and contaminants out.

Well Casing
The pipe (usually steel or PVC) that lines your well and keeps dirt and contaminants from collapsing into it.

Well Contamination
Surface water, bacteria, or chemicals entering the well.

Well Failure
When the well no longer produces usable water due to pump failure, collapse, depletion, or contamination.

Well System

A system where everything works together to move groundwater from underground into your home safely and consistently. It consists of, but is not limited to three main parts:

The Water Source (Groundwater & Aquifer)

The Well Structure

The Pump & Pressure System

Yield (GPM)
Gallons per minute your well can produce. This determines how much water your home can use at once.