A well water system is a standard method by which homes in rural areas or areas where water supply corporations have not been established get their water. Well water is a water supply system that draws water from underground wells through drilling and pumps it directly into the home for drinking and washing, among other uses. Thus, homeowners need to learn about the operation of a residential well water system to take care of these systems and address minor issues independently.
Drilling a Well
The well is the first of the components of a sound installation for a residential area. These are dug into the ground in the form of a hole with its depth extending up to the water table where the water is accessed from. Wells are dug using specialized drilling equipment, penetrating the ground and boring through the soil and rock formations down to a few hundred feet deep. The depth and position of the well and the number of wells in a given area depend on the local geology and the depth of the water table. Most residential wells are 4-8 inches wide, and to ensure that they will not collapse, they are cased with plastic piping. At the bottom is a healthy screen that assists in preventing sediment from entering the system.
Groundwater Extraction
Groundwater can then gain access through holes in the casing within the pipe when it gets to the aquifer. A submersible pump and pumping pipeline are then used to pump the resourceful water. These electric pumps are typically used in homes and are situated at depths of 30-100 feet with 1/2 to 2 horsepower. The raised water is then pumped out through the discharge pipe through the use of the pump. This is because the depth of the pump intake defines the highest point up to which water should be pumped and transported to the surface. From here, the water flows to the home; in this process, it becomes decontaminated and unsafe.
Pressure Tank
Most homes with a healthy water supply have a pressurized tank generally placed in the basement. This is a closed vessel containing air which forces the air downwards on entry and applies pressure that will propel water towards fixtures. When taps are opened, compressed air in the tank offers the necessary push to force water to flow while the tank refills with water from the pump. This sort of cycling is helpful to the pump because it does not have to operate constantly. Pressure tanks have a pressure switch to retain a pressurized system between predetermined low-pressure and high-pressure ranges.
Water Treatment
Since the water is drawn from the ground, the healthy water contains some concentration of minerals, iron, sulfur compounds, or other impurities; therefore, most well water goes through water treatment before entering the home plumbing system. Some of the most widely used water treatment technologies easily installed at homes include sediment filters, water softeners, filters for removing iron, activated carbon filtration, UV sterilizers, and chlorination systems, among others. These items filter sediment and impurities for improved water with a better taste and quality.
Well Water Storage
To ensure that water is available in the systems even at night or at a time of power rationing, there are generally large storage pressure tanks or atmospheric water storage tanks. They can store hundreds or thousands of gallons of water, supplying the water pressure through gravity. Water is provided to the storage tanks if pressure decreases. It also determines added water reserves if the well pump stops supplying water.
Well Water Maintenance
It is, therefore, crucial to maintain a healthy water system to ensure that the water supply is safe and free from contamination; there is adequate water pressure; the well does not dry up; bacteria does not accumulate; and the well is protected from freezing.
This involves the following:
- Microbial and chemical water quality testing are some of the standard examinations that may be performed yearly.
- It is important change water treatment filters/media often and when necessary.
- Two parameters that should be monitored are the water pressure and conditions of the pressure tank.
- Be aware of contamination of wellheads and caps through damaged structures, allowing the entry of contaminants.
- Sometimes, when constructing or repairing sections of pipelines, piping and couplings are checked for leakage.
- Ensure that the wells laid down can yield sufficient water to meet the refill.
- Examine the electrical cable that supplies power to the pumps.
- Use of pumps and pipes outdoors in cold climates should be winterized to not freeze.
To help well water systems continue to deliver water service without interruption requiring repair, following a maintenance plan as prescribed below is essential. Maintaining a good relationship with licensed well professionals also means that regular check-ups can be conducted to identify any problem early on.
Conclusion
In conclusion, residential well water systems consist of drilling wells for groundwater, installing submersible pumps and pipes, pressurizing the systems through pressure tanks, treating the water impurities, and servicing them. Tackling these elements assists homeowners in regulating the use of healthy water in homes outside the public water supply systems. Hiring a professional during installation and subsequent maintenance is advised when dealing with a healthy water system. Water quality preservation helps to retain a good water healthy system that has a safe water supply for household use.
Comments