Well Pump Maintenance Ensures a Consistent Water Flow System

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Have you ever been in a conversation, without really understanding what they meant, because of the “jargon”. It happens in many businesses, but as a homeowner, you need to know what folks are saying about your well, given that it is a critical and daily-use system for your family. We educate and protect our Members against sudden well failures and being without water, but if you’re not familiar with the lingo, we offer a short tutorial of terms Basic Terms Ground water – water located below grade (and frost line) resulting from transmissivity of water through the soil, transported by permeable soil and aquifers Well Reserves – amount of water stored in the well – calculated as 1.5 x [well depth – static water level]) for 6” casing Static water level – number of feet below grade level to which water comes to rest, when well is not in use Well Flow – amount of water extracted based on demand Well Yield – amount of water going in to the well (re-charge) at given levels of usage (expressed as gpm) Well Type – Can be Drilled/Bored, Hand Dug, Stick, or Driven. Anything other than a drilled/bored well is older less reliable technology, and should be avoided. New wells will always be drilled to an average depth of 200-300 feet depending of the origin Well Permit – most states require only licensed contractors (Master Well Drillers) to drill new wells, and a permit is issued to such licensees. They are required to report back on Completion to provide basic information, since placement and drilling means have regulatory constraints (e.g., as to their location in relation to house, roads, septic areas, etc.). GPM – gallons per minute Depth – number of feet from grade to bottom of well Rock Well – this is a well drilled through initially through layers of soil until the well hole reaches solid bedrock. This well will be fed by water bearing aquifers, which are essentially gaps or cracks in the consolidated bedrock, that supply water to the well via gravity and natural water pressure (via its weight) Alluvial Well – also know as a sand well, this is a water bearing hole drilled initially through layers of soil, and ultimately into softer, frequently unconsolidated layers of hydrogeology. These wells are typically found in coastal areas and near larger bodies of water, where bedrock is found much deeper underground. Water seeps more generally through porous terrain, but must be screened to eliminate/minimize particulates in the water. Drawdown – the level below grade to which the water in the well naturally recedes when the well is in use. Well Parts & Components Well System – a set of natural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing components which collect water in the well hole and deliver it to the house at a set pressure. It begins with the well boring (hole) and ends at the Pressure Tank. Well Casing – this is the steel or PVC material that you can see sticking out of the ground at the top of the well boring/hole, which provides access to service the well, and seals it from surface contaminants via a well cap. Jet pump – an above ground electrical pump used to draw (“sip”) water from a shallow(er) well as a result of a vacuum created, which is usually located close to the pressure tank. Submersible Pump – an electrical pump lowered into the well which pushes water to the surface and through lateral pipes to the house using impeller to propel the water to the house. Aquifer – notably, one of the most mysterious components of a (rock) well; these are fractures in the hydrogeological rock formations, allowing water to travel for miles from surface water sources to your well. Well Completion Report – a detailed report prepared by the driller upon completion of the drilling that provides information regarding the depth, location, and details of the initial production of the well. Pitless adapte r – this is the connection that the pipe down to the well pump (sitting hundreds of feet below ground) makes with the lateral pipes bring water from the well to the house. It is installed to be water-sealed, but must be used to “pull the pump” – remove the pump for replacement. Pressure Tank – this is the large® tank typically outside of the well (can be in basement, crawlspace or well house) that contains the well water and delivers that water to the internal plumbing system. This device regulates the function of the pump in delivering water to the home. Control Box – as the well system uses electricity to power the pump, the control box creates the interface between the well system and the house’s overall electrical system. Largely considered optional until several decades ago, this part is not found on many older systems, and should to be considered a concern. Pressure Switch – this is the “on/off” switch for the pump, triggered by the water pressure being held by the Pressure Tank. AS the pressure declines from water discharge to the house, the tank calls for water, and the pressure switch calls for water by turning on the pump. When adequate pressure is sustained, the tank turns off the pump via the pressure switch. This is why performance of the tank is critical. Pressure Gauge – this is a diagnostic device (typically a round dial attached to the water line near the pressure tank) that measures the pressure of the water at the tank in PSI (pounds per square inch) can be observed to move when water is being discharged. As the pump delivers water, the gauge increases; when water is discharged, the gauge decreases in terms of PSI. Advanced Terms Supplemental Storage System – a series of electronic, plumbing and storage components (PVC) used to store additional water outside of the well for “Peak Water Usage” periods. Peak Usage Periods – times when the flow exceeds the yield, thereby Drawing Down the water level in the well, and potentially exhausting water supply in “Reserves” Hydrofrac – process that attempt to rehabilitate the well and increase yield by injecting high pressure water, which cleans out and creates additional fractures in the rock well. Cycle Time – a test of the communication between the Pressure Tank and the Well Pump, and functionality of all components in between; it is measured in seconds between when the pump turns on (at low pressure), fills the tank, and then discharges all water (the “cycle”). Constant Pressure Systems (CPS) – submersible pumps typically run at a fixed speed to achieve the targeted flow in gallons per minute. Constant pressure pumps run at variable speeds and pumping rates fluctuate to maintain the set pressure, regardless of the flow demand. These CPS systems are characterized by much smaller pressure tanks, and no pressure switch. Rather, these systems rely on a transducer (a spark plug shaped device) to measure and vary the pump speed to maintain that constant pressure and flow. They are gaining popularity, despite being more expensive systems, and are present in approximately 10% of residential applications. Don’t be confused, or unable to participate in conversations about your well. The more educated you are as a buyer, the better the service you will get from your service provider. And think of how you will impress everyone at that next neighborhood or office holiday party!!

Palatka, Florida, like many other areas, relies on well pumps for its water supply in some locations. Well pumps are commonly used to access groundwater for residential, agricultural, and commercial purposes in regions where municipal water supply is not available or is insufficient. If you're looking for information or assistance regarding well pumps in Palatka, Florida, here are some steps to consider: 1. Local Well Pump Service Providers: Start by searching for local well pump service providers or companies that specialize in well drilling and maintenance in the Palatka area. You can use online search engines or local directories to find these businesses. Contact a few of them to discuss your needs and get 2. Assessment: If you already have a well pump system in place and are facing issues, consider having a professional assess the condition of your well and pump system. They can diagnose any problems and recommend necessary repairs or replacements. 3. Installation and Maintenance: When installing a new well or replacing an existing well pump, it's important to choose a reputable well pump service provider with experience in the region. Regular maintenance is also essential to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your well pump system. 4. Water Quality Testing* It's a good idea to have your well water tested regularly to ensure it meets safety and quality standards. Well water quality can vary, so testing can help identify any issues that need to be addressed. 5. Budget Considerations Obtain quotes from multiple providers and compare their pricing, services, and warranties. Make sure to consider the long-term cost of ownership, including maintenance and repairs. 6. References and Reviews: Check online reviews and ask for references from past customers to gauge the reputation and reliability of the well pump service providers you're considering. Remember that well pump systems require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to function properly. It's also crucial to address any issues promptly to avoid water supply disruptions. Be proactive in taking care of your well pump system, and consult with local experts in Palatka, Florida, to ensure the best results for your water supply needs.

Palatka, Florida, like many other areas, relies on well pumps for its water supply in some locations. Well pumps are commonly used to access groundwater for residential, agricultural, and commercial purposes in regions where municipal water supply is not available or is insufficient. If you're looking for information or assistance regarding well pumps in Palatka, Florida, here are some steps to consider: 1. Local Well Pump Service Providers: Start by searching for local well pump service providers or companies that specialize in well drilling and maintenance in the Palatka area. You can use online search engines or local directories to find these businesses. Contact a few of them to discuss your needs and get 2. Assessment: If you already have a well pump system in place and are facing issues, consider having a professional assess the condition of your well and pump system. They can diagnose any problems and recommend necessary repairs or replacements. 4. Installation and Maintenance: When installing a new well or replacing an existing well pump, it's important to choose a reputable well pump service provider with experience in the region. Regular maintenance is also essential to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your well pump system. 5. Water Quality Testing: It's a good idea to have your well water tested regularly to ensure it meets safety and quality standards. Well water quality can vary, so testing can help identify any issues that need to be addressed. 6. Budget Considerations: Obtain quotes from multiple providers and compare their pricing, services, and warranties. Make sure to consider the long-term cost of ownership, including maintenance and repairs. 7. References and Reviews: Check online reviews and ask for references from past customers to gauge the reputation and reliability of the well pump service providers you're considering. Remember that well pump systems require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to function properly. It's also crucial to address any issues promptly to avoid water supply disruptions. Be proactive in taking care of your well pump system, and consult with local experts in Palatka, Florida, to ensure the best results for your water supply needs.

Water treatment in Palatka, Florida, like in many other cities, is essential to ensure the availability of clean and safe drinking water for its residents. While I don't have access to real-time data, I can provide you with some general information on water treatment processes that are commonly used in Florida and Palatka. 1 . Source Water: Palatka likely gets its water from surface water sources such as rivers or groundwater from wells. The source of water can affect the treatment process. 2 . Coagulation and Flocculation: The water is treated with chemicals like aluminum sulfate (alum) and polymer to help particles in the water clump together (coagulation) and form larger particles (flocculation). This makes it easier to remove impurities. 3 . Sedimentation: After coagulation and flocculation, the water is allowed to sit in a tank. During this time, the larger particles settle to the bottom, forming a sludge. 4 . Filtration: The water passes through layers of sand, gravel, and/or charcoal to remove any remaining impurities. 5 . Disinfection: Chlorine or other disinfectants are added to the water to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. This step ensures that the water is safe to drink. 6 . pH Adjustment: The pH level of the water may be adjusted to meet regulatory standards and to prevent corrosion of pipes. 7 . Distribution: Treated water is then pumped through a network of pipes to homes and businesses in Palatka. 8 . Monitoring: Water quality is continuously monitored to ensure that it meets all regulatory standards. This includes regular testing for contaminants and bacteria. It's important to note that the specific treatment processes and facilities can vary from one location to another, depending on the source water quality and local regulations. Palatka, like other municipalities, is responsible for maintaining its water treatment infrastructure to provide safe and clean drinking water to its residents.