A residential well accesses groundwater, which is stored beneath the Earth’s surface within saturated zones of soil and rock. Because this supply depends on natural processes, a well can run dry, especially during extended droughts. This occurs when the rate of water extraction exceeds the rate at which underground reserves are naturally replenished. Understanding the link between surface weather and subsurface water levels is important for homeowners relying on a private well system.
How Drought Impacts Well Water Supply
Groundwater is stored in formations called aquifers, which are layers of permeable material like sand, gravel, or fractured rock. The upper level of this saturated zone is the water table, which naturally fluctuates based on seasonal precipitation and human use. During a drought, the lack of rainfall and snowmelt significantly reduces the natural recharge rate of these aquifers.
A prolonged lack of precipitation means less water filters down through the soil to replenish reserves. Simultaneously, drought conditions increase reliance on groundwater for household, agricultural, and industrial use, intensifying the decline in water levels. When the water table drops below the well pump’s intake, the well runs dry.
The vulnerability of a well is influenced by its depth and the type of aquifer it accesses. Wells tapping into unconfined, near-surface aquifers are the first to show drought impact because their water levels fluctuate quickly with local rainfall. Deeper wells accessing confined bedrock aquifers are more resilient. However, even deep wells can experience drops during long-term droughts, and restoration of supply can take many months of soaking rain.
Identifying the Warning Signs of a Dry Well
Before a well runs completely dry, it exhibits several practical symptoms observable inside the house. The most common sign is faucets beginning to sputter or spit out air along with water. This happens because the water level has dropped low enough that the pump is pulling air along with the remaining supply.
A reduction in water pressure or flow volume throughout the house is another indicator. When the well struggles to keep up with demand, the pump works harder to maintain pressure. This results in water coming out as a trickle instead of a steady stream, noticeable in showers or when running appliances simultaneously.
Changes in water quality also signal a dropping water level. When the pump has less water to draw, it begins to suction water mixed with sediment and silt from the bottom of the well. This results in water that is cloudy, murky, or sandy, often accompanied by a strange taste or odor.
The well pump itself provides audible warning signs of a failing water supply. The pump may begin running for longer periods than usual to build up pressure. Alternatively, it may start cycling on and off continuously and frequently. This behavior indicates the pump is struggling to compensate for the inadequate water level, which leads to increased energy costs and premature wear on the equipment.
Actions for Well Protection and Recovery
When a well shows signs of failure, immediate action must focus on reducing demand on the remaining groundwater supply. Homeowners should take conservation measures, such as taking shorter showers and only running full loads in washing machines and dishwashers. For outdoor use, stop all irrigation and washing to reserve water for indoor needs.
In the long term, professional intervention is required to assess and restore the water supply. A licensed well contractor can inspect the pump and measure the water level to determine the best course of action.
Lowering the Pump
A relatively simple solution, if space permits, is lowering the existing pump deeper into the well’s borehole. This allows the pump to reach the new, lower water level.
Hydrofracking
If lowering the pump is insufficient, more extensive procedures may be considered, such as hydrofracking. This technique involves injecting water under extremely high pressure into the well. The goal is to open existing fractures in the surrounding bedrock, creating a larger network of water-bearing fissures to increase the water flow rate into the well.
Deepening or Drilling New Wells
For wells that are too shallow or do not respond to hydrofracking, the most extensive options are deepening the existing well or drilling a new one. Deepening allows the well to reach further below the current water table, potentially providing a more drought-resistant supply. However, this is not a guaranteed fix and can be as costly as drilling a completely new, deeper well.