After a new well is put into use, how can you assess its health through simple observation?

After a new well is put into use, how can you assess its health through simple observation?

The completion and commissioning of a new well signifies the beginning of a long-term "water relationship." Just like monitoring your physical health, regularly observing the well's condition using simple, intuitive methods can help you detect potential problems early and ensure the long-term stability and cleanliness of your water source. Here are some daily observation points that don't require professional tools.

I. Observing the Water's "Appearance" and "Odor"

This is the most direct and frequent method of assessment.

Clarity: Fill a glass with water and let it sit for a moment in a well-lit area. Healthy well water should always be clear and transparent. It's normal for a new well to occasionally have very fine sand particles in the initial stages of use, but if the water remains continuously cloudy, like muddy water, or suddenly becomes cloudy after a period of use (especially when the water pump starts), it may indicate that the filter layer outside the well casing is failing or there is sediment at the bottom of the well.

Color and Foreign Objects: Observe if the water has any abnormal color, such as yellowing (possibly due to high iron and manganese content) or blackening (possibly related to decaying organic matter or pipes). Also, check for an oil film on the water surface and any unusual sediment at the bottom.

Odor: Fill a clean glass with water and smell it from a short distance away from the faucet. Normal groundwater should have no pungent odor. If you smell a sulfurous odor similar to rotten eggs, a rusty smell, or a musty or chemical smell, it could be a sign of water quality problems.

II. Paying Attention to the "Stability" of the Water Supply

The water output of a well is a core indicator of its vitality.

Water Pump Operating Time: Note the frequency and duration of your home's water pump operation. If the pump starts unusually frequently, or the pumping time is significantly shorter before stopping, without any major changes in water usage habits, it may indicate a drop in the well's water level and a decrease in water output.

Performance During Peak Water Usage: During periods of high water usage (such as showering or watering the garden), observe whether the water flow from the faucet or showerhead is significantly weaker. A healthy well should maintain relatively stable water pressure.

Recovery Time: After continuous heavy water use (such as pumping water for irrigation), stop using water and observe the time it takes for the water level to recover. If the recovery time is significantly longer than when the well was first drilled, it is also a signal that needs attention. III. Pay Attention to the "Operating Sounds" of Your Equipment

Your water pump and pressure system can provide a lot of information.

Water pump sound: Familiarize yourself with the steady hum of your water pump when it's operating normally. If the sound becomes sharp, heavy, or there's intermittent cavitation (like it's pumping air), it may indicate insufficient water in the well and the pump is "running dry," which can severely damage the pump.

Pressure tank and switch: Observe whether the pressure gauge needle rises and falls smoothly within the normal range. If the pressure fluctuates violently, or the pump starts and stops very frequently (e.g., multiple times within a minute), this is usually not a problem with the well itself, but reflects instability in the water supply system, requiring inspection of the pressure tank and switch settings.

IV. Conduct Regular "Simple Record Keeping"

Developing simple record-keeping habits can help you detect gradual changes.

Monthly sampling: You can fill a clear glass bottle with water every month, let it sit for 24 hours, and then take a picture to record the sediment situation for comparison.

Annual water volume assessment: Every year during the dry season or peak water usage period, subjectively assess the changes in water volume and compare it with the same period in previous years.

Water quality changes: If you notice subtle changes in the taste of the water (e.g., becoming salty or bitter), you should also record it.

Through the above daily observations of "looking, listening, asking (about equipment), and recording," you can establish a basic understanding of the health of your well. The purpose of these observations is not to self-diagnose complex problems, but to provide timely warnings. Once you find a persistent and significant abnormal change in any indicator, it means you should call a professional well maintenance technician for inspection and maintenance. Early intervention is often key to ensuring long-term and economical service from your well.