Low water and dry wells

When the well runs low

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension advises turning the pump off if it cycles on and off rapidly, and reducing pumping or lowering the pump if the level does not recover.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension lists sand in the toilet tank and milky tap water that clears after a short time as signs a well may be going dry.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension says lowering the pump may be possible depending on well depth, and the job needs a licensed pump installer.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension says falling water levels let air into the aquifer, so a well with some arsenic should expect higher levels during a drought; test during and after.

For a low yielding well, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension suggests adding a pumped water storage tank to cover peak demand.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension suggests neighbors stagger heavy use like laundry so wells can recover, and conserving water during drought.

The Minnesota Department of Health lists a higher electric bill from the pump running longer, lower pressure, sputtering taps and muddy water as signs a well may be going dry.

Sources: Low water can wreck the pump; Higher power bill is a sign