Wells can be either deep (artesian) and used for drinking purposes or shallow, the latter being mostly used for yard maintenance (depending on the region of the country in which you are living). For residential purposes two well pumps are normally required, incorporating pressure tanks to prevent short cycling and aerators to properly store and/or filter the water. With a two-pump system the first pump typically takes the water from the well to the aerator (storage tank). This pump is activated by a float valve inside the aerator. The second pump is required to pump the water from the aerator (storage tank) to the home, thus maintaining an adequate amount of water pressure/flow. This equipment should be protected inside a well-constructed pump house with adequate electricity to run the systems.
While the water pressure at the well head is normally enough to run an outside spigot, it is rarely enough to supply the water at adequate pressure to a home or sprinkler system. With shallow wells, do not be surprised to encounter orange-like stains around the yard area. This is typical. This water is not potable, having an iron content, and is used mainly for irrigation purposes.
Pressure Tanks:
(1) Because water is non-compressible, an air bladder tank is added to maintain the pressure in the water system. The air will push the water through the system at preset on/off intervals. If adequate air pressure is not maintained, the pump will turn on more frequently (short cycling) and wear out sooner. This can be detected when hearing the pressure switch click on and off, or also seen by quick pulsating changes in water flow at the faucet end fixture;
(2) Newer diaphragm tanks do not need air to be added. Non-diaphragm tanks may require air several times a year;
(3) If you discover that the well pump is turning on frequently when little or no water is being drawn, have a service company check the system. Sometimes a foot valve or check valve may be defective or clogged.
Water Quality:
(1) Clean water is essential to good health. We recommend a full standard water analysis be performed on the well before purchasing a home. If unacceptable levels of contaminants are found, usually water treatment systems can be installed to remove most of the contaminants. A more detailed water analysis will be required when a FHA mortgage is involved;
(2) Wells can become polluted over time, so it is advisable to conduct a test for bacteria once a year, or more often if the water develops an unpleasant smell. If the water has an unusual smell, do not drink it until it has been tested for contaminants;
(3) Many people think water softeners are required to reduce the amount of detergent needed by the clothes washer. While this is true, the main purpose is to treat the water to lower mineral content and improve the taste. Until recently, sodium chloride was used as softener, which added a small amount of sodium to the water. Today, softening is more often accomplished by adding potassium chloride. Some people add potassium to their diets anyway, so the potassium is not harmful. However, for those who have high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, a physician should be consulted before treating the water with any chemical additives;
(4) For those who do not wish to ingest either of these additives, the kitchen cold-water faucet can be changed to bypass the treatment device. All drinking or cooking water can then be drawn directly from the faucet;
(5) If there is anything objectionable found concerning the water supply, no matter whether it is the taste, color, smell or fixture staining, a treatment system can improve the situation. This is true of a municipal water supply as well as a private well system.