Will My Water Well Have Good Pressure?

By Don Adams
Adams Well Drilling

Here in the Southern Tier of Western New York, groundwater is generally abundant enough to know that a new water well should perform for many years. We live in a temperate region, with ideal amounts of rainfall and snowmelt, year after year, to keep our underground aquifers well supplied with clean, safe water.

So, most often, you’ll have an adequate flow of water if you choose a good well location. But will you have good water pressure? In addition to understanding the volume of water flowing into your well, we must also consider some other key factors that you can control.

3 Water Well Pressure Factors You Can’t Ignore

1. Water Well Flow and Storage Capacity

It goes without saying, but you first need water in the well for there to be any water pressure. The flow of a large volume of water into your well is the first environmental condition that would dictate water pressure at point of use. 

As I said, accessible groundwater can be found at most locations of our region. Admittedly, some locations may require a deeper well. Other locations may offer some geological obstacles. But getting to the water is relatively easy.

Knowing the water flow, however, takes a seasoned hand. An experienced water well professional will assess the area’s topography and geology to determine water flow direction and help you to select the ideal spot on your commercial or residential property. They will then construct a well with a storage volume, or capacity, suiting your individual needs.

2.  Pump Capacity

For adequate water pressure, the property’s demand in gallons per minute must match or exceed the pump’s per-minute capacity. Most conservative guidelines say a residential property of two to four people will require 150 to 300 gallons of water per day. Peak use times (typically mornings and evenings, when people are more likely to cook, wash dishes, shower and do laundry) factor into those guidelines. If demand during those, or any other, times exceeds the pump capacity, your water pressure will be low.

Discuss with your water well professional your anticipated water needs to select the right pump for the job. Here at Adams Well Drilling, we proudly use only American-made pumps by Goulds Water Technology – a Xylem brand, the leading technology in water wells. Submersible pumps are great for supplying a steady, dependable flow from deeper wells. Jet pumps at the surface will work great for shallow wells.

3. Pressure Tank Size

Pressure tanks are a key part of your water-delivery infrastructure. Typically, located within your residence or commercial property, they maintain water under pressure so the pump will not need to operate every time water is used. Most water pressure tanks range from 20 to 80 gallons, depending on your need.

If you’re unsure of your water volume and pressure requirements, contact your local water well drilling and pump installation expert for a free consultation.