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Module 5 — Monitoring and Maintenance of Your Water Well
It is good practice to take a water level reading monthly or quarterly as shown in the
example below. Note in the example that readings were taken both with the pump on and
the pump off (with time to recover). Readings taken with the pump on will alert you to any
problems with the efficiency of the well (for example, a plugged screen). Readings taken
with the pump off will alert you to any problems with the aquifer and the quantity of water
available for pumping.
Water Level Measurments Example
Month Water Level
Time
Pumping Non-pumping Comments
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
3.28
m
4.30
m
3.31
m
4.27
m
3.26
m
6:00
am
7:45
am
6:10
am
7:55
am
6:00
am
How to Measure Water Levels
There are several devices and methods for measuring water levels:
Dip tube
Water well sounder
Sonic Sounder.
Dip Tube
A dip tube can be constructed using a minimum 18 mm (3/4 in.) potable grade plastic pipe
or hose that is lowered into the well, to below the pumping water level. It should be taped to
the pump line with electrical tape and have a capped bottom with two, 6 mm (1/4 in.) holes
perforated on the bottom to let water in and out, allowing it to fluctuate with the water inside
of the well. The dip tube should extend down to 1.5 m (5 ft.) above the top of the pump. A
measuring device, such as a weighted line or a well sounder tape, can then be lowered inside of
the dip tube to measure the water level, with no threat of getting it entangled in the electrical
wires or pumping equipment (see Figure 1, Dip Tube). A dip tube can be installed by a licensed
water well contractor at the time of construction or, on existing wells during well maintenance.
Figure 1 Dip Tube