Why Do Water Wells Run Dry in the Summer?

In many parts of the world, water wells are a vital source of water for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes. However, seasonal changes, often in the summer,  can cause some wells to run dry, leaving people without access to this essential resource.

Why do wells dry up?

There are several reasons why water wells run dry. One reason is that the water table, which is the level of groundwater below the surface of the earth, can drop, especially during the summer months. This is because evaporation and transpiration, the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere, increase during the summer, and rain fall is usually lower, resulting in less recharge. As a result, less water is available to replenish the water table.

Another reason why water wells run dry, especially in the summer, is that the demand for water increases during the summer months. This is because people use more water for irrigation, watering their lawns and gardens, and other outdoor activities. As a result, the water table can become depleted more quickly, or the local aquifer can be dewatered.

Finally, the process that is used for the construction of water wells can also play a role in whether or not they run dry in the summer. Wells that are not properly constructed or are not deep enough may not be able to access water from the water table during the summer months.

What can we do about wells drying up?

There are several things that can be done to avoid running out of water in the dry months: 

  • Take water conservation measures, such as watering lawns and gardens less often and using drip irrigation systems.
  • Install a storage tank to store/save water when the weather starts to dry up – contact JKA today to schedule a site visit and evaluation.
  • Properly construct a new well that is deep enough to access the water table during the summer months. 

Please note that it is important to monitor the water level in your well and to have it serviced regularly to ensure that it is working properly. 

Help, our well just ran dry!

If your well has run dry and you need water immediately, you can contact a water delivery service to have water delivered as a temporary solution. This generally only works if you have a large above ground storage tank (1000+ gallons). Delivery trucks typically can deliver up to 3000 gallons of potable water per trip. Please check our resources page to find contact information for water delivery services.  We never recommend dumping water in the well. The general rule is that if it’ll make water, it’ll take water, so the water dropped down the well will often just go out into the formation that’s dry.

Water wells are a valuable resource, and it is important to take steps to prevent them from running dry in the summer. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have access to water when you need it most. If you are currently out of water and suspect that your well has run dry, contact JKA Well Drilling & Pumps by calling (360) 684-1932 or email service@jkawelldrilling.com.

Do you need help with your water system? 

If you need well repairs, a well inspection, a well drilled, or any of the other well and water system related services we provide, you can email us 24 hours a day at service@jkawelldrilling.com, or call us at (360) 684-1932 (office hours are Monday-Friday, 730AM - 300PM).

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