Wells have always provided human beings with fresh water for many millennia. These underground water sources offer essential water for the sustenance of animals, plants, and people. But can wells actually dry up? Is this possible? If so, how? And what is the way out? This article will talk about some of the causes of wells drying up, their impact, and what you can do so that your well’s water does not deplete in the future.
What is a Well?
A well is usually a hole or shaft bored or drilled through the ground, that draws water. Wells can be categorized into two main types: drilled wells and dug wells. In drilled wells, machinery is employed to cut across the ground, while in dug wells, the wells are shoveled by hand and cover less of a depth. Whenever a well has been bored or dug, a pump or other apparatus is installed to bring the water up.
There are several reasons why wells can run out of water.
Seasonal Changes
When there is very low rainfall or a drought, the water table reduces, meaning that some wells will find themselves with no water. This is common in shallow wells because they are more sensitive to changes in the water table. Sometimes, a well may dry up during the summer season but might be filled in winter when the water table rises.
Over Pumping
In cases where a lot of water is pumped from a well, the water level stagnates, inhibiting the draw of water from the source. Overusing the resources can cause a well to go completely dry. It can also lead to the collapse of structures where the burden of water and casing overrides the ability of the surrounding rock or soil.
Pollution
Wells may also dry up and interrupt supply due to pollution, making water from the source unfit for use or unsafe for human consumption. Pollutants that could find their way into a well could be washed there through agricultural activities, industrial effluent, and faulty septic systems. Sometimes, a well has to be closed, and a new one is built because a water source has been contaminated beyond use.
Natural Causes
Some wells can dry up due to natural factors that include movement formations of earth and land. For instance, a well put near an active earthquake might experience a movement of the ground that leads to the destruction of the well or distortion of the water supply. Likewise, a well exposed to wind or water may lead to the breakdown of the structure and thus make the well ineffective.
Some Potential Consequences
Water Scarcity
Water inavailability is one of the numerous outcomes of a well that stops working. Due to the rapidly reducing water sources, people and animals are likely to face the problem of limited, inadequate water supply.
Economic Impact
A well running out of water can have many economic implications for a household or community. Drilling a new well, installing the pump head, and damaging cables, poles and other infrastructure may be costly. Further, withdrawal from water sources will have an additional impact on industries like the agricultural, manufacturing, and tourism sectors.
Environmental Impact
Dry wells can cause loss of plant and animal species within communities that depend on that water source for the sustainability of their lives. Dry wells are also likely to cause loss of fertile land due to groundwater depletion. This can cause more flooding, soil erosion, deterioration of structures, etc.
Preventive Measures
Several measures can be taken to prevent wells from running out of water:
Monitoring Water Levels
Frequently checking on your wells will allow you to detect any problems in the water level earlier. This includes the variations in the water level and water quality. Well owners can easily find out the status of their well. If the water source is not producing enough water, the owners should immediately take the necessary measures to rectify the problem.
Construction and Well Maintenance
There must be a reasonable and adequate water supply, so proper construction and maintenance must be done. These include the selection of good quality materials and installation as well as the appropriate maintenance of wells. Annual, six-month, or more frequent end-user maintenance activities such as repairing pumps and cleaning filters can help prevent problems like over-pumping.
Measures for Water Conservation
The well is most probably a limiting factor, especially during dry times or drought times. Measures like using water-reduction devices such as low-flow toilets and showerheads, taking shorter showers, and repairing leaking taps will save the well from drying up.
Aquifer Management
Aquifer management is a technique of protecting water resources from drilling in order to enhance its longevity. This is the control of the water used from the wells and the passing of appropriate policies and measures for water conservation. Aquifer management may involve regulating the quantity of water pumped or used from the aquifer, supporting water recycling, or recharging of wetlands and other natural water sources.
Comments