Should I Drill My Well Deeper?
For homeowners who rely on well water, few things are as frustrating as a well that can’t keep up with daily needs. Whether it’s a sluggish trickle at the faucet, fluctuating water pressure, or the alarming moment when the pump runs dry, these issues often prompt a critical question: Should I drill my well deeper? At Epp Well Solutions, we understand the intricacies of well water systems and the challenges of managing low-producing wells. Drilling deeper is often seen as a quick fix, but it’s an expensive and risky option that may not solve the problem—and could even make things worse. Instead, we advocate for smarter, more reliable solutions, like a low yield well system, to optimize water output and protect your well’s longevity. This article explores why wells underperform, why drilling deeper isn’t the answer, and how innovative technology can address your water needs effectively.
Why Wells Struggle to Deliver
To decide on the best course of action, it’s essential to understand why your well might be struggling. Wells draw water from underground aquifers, which are layers of permeable rock or sediment that hold water. The amount of water a well produces depends on several factors, including the aquifer’s characteristics, the well’s design, and external conditions. Common reasons for reduced water output include:
Aquifer Limitations: Some aquifers naturally have low water storage or slow recharge rates, meaning they can’t supply water as quickly as your household demands it. This is especially common in regions with fractured bedrock or thin soil layers.
Seasonal Fluctuations: Droughts or seasonal changes can lower groundwater levels, reducing the amount of water available to your well. In dry months, wells that perform adequately in wet seasons may struggle.
Overpumping: Pumping water faster than the aquifer can replenish it can deplete the well’s water column, causing the pump to draw air or sediment, which can damage the system and the well.
Well Age and Maintenance: Older wells may have clogged screens, corroded casings, or sediment buildup that restricts water flow. Neglecting regular maintenance can exacerbate these issues.
Increased Demand: Growing households, new irrigation systems, or additional water-intensive appliances can strain a well that was once sufficient.
These factors can make it seem like your well isn’t deep enough, but depth isn’t always the issue. Before considering any major intervention, it’s crucial to assess your well’s performance with the help of a professional. Tools like a well GPM (gallons per minute) report can measure your well’s flow rate and identify whether the problem lies in the aquifer, the well’s construction, or your water usage patterns.
The Risks of Drilling Deeper
When faced with water shortages, many homeowners assume that drilling deeper will tap into a more abundant water source. After all, deeper wells might reach lower aquifers with potentially higher water volumes. However, this approach is fraught with challenges that often outweigh the benefits. Here’s why drilling deeper is rarely the best solution:
First, drilling deeper is a costly endeavor. The process involves hiring a drilling contractor, obtaining permits, and potentially dealing with environmental regulations. Depending on your location and the depth required, costs can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars. For many homeowners, this represents a significant financial burden, especially without a guaranteed outcome.
Second, drilling deeper carries substantial risks. There’s no assurance that a deeper well will encounter a more productive aquifer. In some cases, deeper layers may contain less water or poorer quality water. For example, drilling too deep could tap into saline or mineral-heavy water that’s unsuitable for household use, requiring expensive treatment systems. Worse still, drilling deeper might bypass productive aquifers altogether, reducing your well’s yield even further. In fractured bedrock regions, where water flows through cracks rather than porous layers, hitting a new water-bearing fracture is a gamble that doesn’t always pay off.
Third, deepening a well can introduce new problems. The drilling process can destabilize the well’s structure, causing sediment or debris to enter the water column. This can clog pumps, reduce water quality, and necessitate additional repairs. In some cases, drilling deeper can even lower the water table in the surrounding area, affecting neighboring wells and creating community-wide water shortages.
Finally, drilling deeper doesn’t address the root cause of low water output. If your well’s issues stem from overpumping going deeper won’t solve these problems—it may simply delay them while adding new complications. Given these risks, it’s clear that drilling deeper is a high-stakes option that often fails to deliver the desired results.
A Smarter Solution: The Low Yield Well System
Rather than gambling on a deeper well, homeowners can turn to a more reliable and cost-effective solution: a low yield well system. These innovative systems are designed to maximize water output from wells with limited production capacity, ensuring a steady supply without the risks and costs of drilling. Ther Well Harvester® is a prime example of this technology, offering a patented approach to managing low-producing wells.
A low yield well system works by intelligently managing how water is drawn from the well. Unlike traditional setups that pump water at a constant rate—often faster than the aquifer can replenish—these systems adjust water extraction based on real-time water levels. This prevents overpumping, which can deplete the well and damage the pump. By harvesting water at a sustainable rate, the system ensures you get the most out of your well’s available supply while preserving its long-term health.
The benefits of a low yield well system are numerous. For starters, it’s far more affordable than drilling deeper. Installation costs are typically a fraction of drilling expenses, and the system can often be integrated into your existing well setup without major modifications. This makes it an accessible option for homeowners looking to improve water availability without breaking the bank.
Additionally, these systems are highly efficient. By monitoring water levels and adjusting pump activity, they optimize water usage, reducing waste and minimizing strain on the aquifer. This not only improves your household’s water supply but also contributes to environmental sustainability by conserving groundwater resources. In regions prone to drought or water scarcity, this is a significant advantage.
Another key benefit is reliability. A low yield well system ensures a consistent water supply, even during periods of high demand or low aquifer recharge. For growing families or homes with irrigation needs, this reliability can make all the difference. Plus, systems like the Well Harvester® come with features like 24/7 monitoring and easy maintenance, giving homeowners peace of mind that their water system is performing at its best.
Perhaps most importantly, a low yield well system addresses the root causes of water shortages. By preventing overpumping and optimizing water extraction, it tackles the issues that drilling deeper ignores. This makes it a proactive, long-term solution that protects your well and enhances its performance without the uncertainties of invasive interventions.
Other Steps to Improve Well Performance
While a low yield well system is a powerful tool, there are additional steps you can take to enhance your well’s performance and ensure a reliable water supply. Regular maintenance is critical. Schedule annual inspections to check for clogged screens, worn pumps, or sediment buildup.
Water conservation is another effective strategy. Simple changes, like installing low-flow fixtures, fixing leaks, and spacing out water-intensive tasks (such as laundry and irrigation), can reduce demand on your well. In drought-prone areas, collecting rainwater for non-potable uses like gardening can further ease the burden on your water system.
Testing your well water regularly is also essential. Contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, or heavy metals can affect water quality, and poor quality may require treatment systems that impact water flow. A professional water testveil your well’s condition and guide any necessary improvements.
Finally, consider consulting a well water specialist. At Epp Well Solutions, we offer free quotes and detailed assessments to help you understand your well’s performance and explore solutions tailored to your needs.
Making the Right Choice for Your Well
When your well isn’t meeting your household’s needs, it’s natural to consider drastic measures like drilling deeper. However, the high costs, significant risks, and uncertain outcomes make this approach a last resort. Drilling deeper may not only fail to improve water output but could also worsen your well’s performance by tapping into less productive or poorer quality water sources. Instead, a low yield well system offers a smarter, more sustainable solution. By optimizing water extraction, preventing overpumping, and maximizing your well’s potential, these systems deliver reliable results without the gamble.
At Epp Well Solutions, we’re committed to helping homeowners overcome well water challenges with innovative, practical solutions. Our Well Harvester® system, backed by a 3-year warranty and designed for easy installation, is a proven way to enhance low-producing wells. Paired with regular maintenance, conservation efforts, and professional guidance, it can transform your water system into a dependable asset for years to come.
Before you invest in costly drilling, explore the benefits of a low yield well system. Contact us today for a free quote or visit eppwellsolutions.com to learn more about how we can help you get the most from your well. With the right approach, you can enjoy a steady water supply without the risks and expenses of going deeper.
