How long should a well test be?
If you’re in the process of purchasing property with a well then a well inspection and test should be conducted. In many cases the well inspection company offers several options. In this blog we’ll delve into the pros and cons of the several options.
2 hour well test and inspection
The two hour well test and inspection is one of the most common inspections because it is the lowest cost. This will typically give you an indication of the operability of the equipment and a rough idea of the water availability. If there is critical landscaping or essential agricultural crops, this type of well test is not adequate to understand full dynamics of the well. Many wells have not stabilized after 2 hours of pumping and thus, the true, long-term well output is not fully understood. For these reasons many counties will not accept 2 hour well tests for building permits!
4 hour well test and inspection
The four hour well test and inspection are a great option. 4 hours of pumping typically allows for the water level in the well and the water flow from the well to stabilize. These stabilized results give a much more realistic picture of the actual productivity of the well and depth to water and are typically accepted by the building department. (If you plan on remodeling, adding bathrooms or bedrooms to your house, you’ll more than likely need a building permit and a well test from a qualified contractor to get the permit)
8, 12 or 24 hour well tests.
These longer well tests are necessary when you have a significant investment in agriculture or other needs that rely heavily on water. If you plant a large vineyard or orchard that you’ll need to irrigate intensively, you’d better know if the water is available to meet the needs!
What time of year should I conduct a well test
Many wells produce adequately during the wet fall/winter and spring months, but the true test of a well is how it performs when it has been dry for awhile! The best time to test a well is in the late summer/early fall months when there has been no rain for awhile and the well has been in use to maintain the landscaping/agriculture needs of the property it serves. That being said, people are purchasing properties during the spring, summer and fall months and don’t always want to wait until summer. For those buyers, keep in mind that the well output may decrease significantly in the late summer!
Our dedicated team at OPS regularly test wells for our clients and help the understand the state of the equipment, water quality and productivity of their wells! Give us a call today at (707)944-2471 if our team can help you understand your Napa County well & water!