‘My well went dry, and now I have to dig/drill a new one’ is a gut wrenching reality. Both threatening our survival instinct and budget. There are many circumstances that can lead to well failure including pump failure, debris build-up, well ‘interference, and changes in aquifer levels. It used to be possible in our area, to drill a 30′-60′ well to hit a horizontal flow channel , now the norm is 75′ to 150’.
The SRWMD is the permitting agency for wells in our area. They track dry wells caused by ‘interference,’ which is when a new well installation collapses a channel causing nearby wells to dry-up. They are also able to track failed wells through well applications though this type of tracking is not generally done.
Some water management systems offer a Dry Well Reporting System. This mechanism helps ‘scientists and water managers better understand changes in groundwater supplies and how those changes may be impacting people that rely on those supplies.’
Our surge in growth and industrial consumptive use through water bottling, farming, and mining, would indicate a greater need to track well failures. This past week we heard from two local residents who’s wells were fine one day and dry the next. If not a mechanical failure of the pump, why would they both suddenly loose prime? Is it a coincidence that both experienced a physical change in their well shaft or changes in the channel? Is it time to consider monitoring dry wells to track changes underground?
Finally, a word about drilling services. They sometimes are not aware of the depth of your well shaft. They may not be aware of the options available to remove built-up debris. The SRWMD and property record files can answer some of these questions.
OSFR President Joanne Tremblay
joanne.tremblay@oursantaferiver.org
“Giving Our River A Voice”
