About
A "dry well" doesn't always mean the well is permanently out of water. In many cases, the well is still capable of producing water, but something has changed — either with the well itself or with the groundwater supply it draws from.
One of the most common causes is a drop in the water table. Groundwater levels can decline due to drought, seasonal changes, or increased demand in an area. When the water level drops below the depth of the pump, the pump can no longer draw water even if water is still present deeper in the well. In these situations, lowering the pump may restore service.
In other cases, a well may slow down or stop producing due to a collapsed casing, clogged screen, or buildup of sediment and mineral deposits over time. These issues are often related to well age, construction, or a lack of routine maintenance.
If your well starts producing less water than usual, runs intermittently, or appears to be dry, don't wait to take action.
Contact a licensed pump installer or well driller to have your well assessed. A professional can evaluate the water level, inspect the pump placement, and determine whether the issue is related to the pump, the well structure, or a change in local groundwater conditions.
Reporting
Reporting your dry well helps
scientists and water managers better understand changes in groundwater supplies
and how those changes may be impacting people that rely on those supplies.
If you report your dry well, the Department may notify you of funding and
other assistance, if the Department is made aware of any available for your
area.
Visit the Department's drought
page to
learn more about current conditions and impacts and to connect with other
drought resources and assistance.