Low Pressure on a New 97-Foot Deep Well with 1 HP Pump

A newly drilled 97-foot well with a Sta-Rite 1 HP pump and 2-gallon tank yields only 4 GPM. The installer claims this is normal for the area (zip 23320) and suggests a second well is the only remedy. Water level is at 80 feet.

Assessment

4 GPM from a 1 HP pump at 97 feet is low. Key questions:

• Is the pump a jet pump or submersible? (Model number needed.)
• What is the pump's rated performance curve at that depth?
• Is the well screen or formation limiting yield?

Next Steps

1. Obtain the pump model number and email a photo to mwelch@chartermi.net for evaluation.
2. Request a well yield test from a qualified well driller.
3. Verify the pump is correctly sized for the well's static water level and recovery rate.

A second well may not be necessary if the current pump is undersized or misapplied.