If your home depends on a private well - or you're considering purchasing a property with one - understanding a few basic concepts can help you make informed decisions and protect your water supply.

When a well is drilled, the contractor creates a completion report that documents important details such as the well's depth, casing, underground formations encountered during drilling, water-producing zones, and the results of an initial pump test. These records provide valuable information about the well at the time it was completed.

However, wells are not static systems. Over time, groundwater conditions can change. Aquifers may produce more or less water, and natural geological changes can affect the well's performance. That's why the original well report should be viewed as a starting point - not a permanent guarantee of future production.

Many municipalities require new wells to meet minimum production standards, often around one gallon per minute (GPM), although requirements vary by location.

Two Terms Every Well Owner Should Know

Yield: Yield is the amount of water flowing into your well, typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM).

Reserves: Reserves are the amount of water stored within the well when it is fully recovered and not being used.

Together, yield and reserves determine how much water is available to your household.

For example, if your family is using 6 GPM but your well is only producing 2 GPM, the difference comes from your reserves. In this case, reserves are being depleted at a rate of 4 GPM. Once those reserves are exhausted, the well needs time to recover.

Why This Matters

The average person uses between 75 and 100 gallons of water each day for bathing, laundry, cooking, cleaning, and other household needs. Even a well producing only 1 GPM can supply 1,440 gallons over a 24-hour period.

The challenge isn't usually the total amount of water available—it's using too much water too quickly.

Tips for Protecting Your Well

Watch for Leaks

A leaking faucet, running toilet, or dripping hose can waste significant amounts of water and cause your well system to work harder than necessary. Regularly checking for leaks can help preserve both water and equipment.

Be Mindful When Filling Pools or Hot Tubs

Large water demands over a short period can quickly deplete your well's reserves. Knowing your well's yield and storage capacity can help you plan ahead.

Use Irrigation Carefully

Many irrigation systems discharge 10–15 gallons per minute or more, which may exceed your well's production rate. Overwatering large areas of lawn can place unnecessary stress on your well system.

Consider Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation and soaker hoses deliver water slowly and efficiently, making them an excellent choice for flower beds, gardens, and landscaping while minimizing demand on your well.

The Key to Reliable Water

One of the best practices for well owners is to use water at a slower rate whenever possible. Running water longer at a lower flow rate is often easier on your well than using large amounts of water all at once.

Understanding your well's yield and reserves can help you balance water use with water availability, reduce stress on your system, and avoid every well owner's biggest concern: running out of water.

The more you know about your well, the better prepared you'll be to protect the water your family depends on every day.

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The Well Worth It Blog is all about residential wells, why we love them, and how to keep yours healthy and flowing clean, drinkable water for you and your family.