What is the difference between well depth, groundwater
depth, or static water level?
Well depth is defined as the full depth that the well was
drilled or cased. "Depth to groundwater" and "static water
level" are synonymous phrases and define the depth or
distance from the top of the well to the level of water
within the well.
This distinction is important because the static water
level is the depth used to calculate the force required to
pump water to the surface. This is true no matter the depth
at which the pump cylinder operates. We normally recommend,
to accommodate natural groundwater level decline, that the
Simple Pump™ pump cylinder be installed at a depth of 36
feet below the static water level.
How do I determine the depth to groundwater or static
water level?
Depth to groundwater is difficult to accurately determine
without the benefit of a well sounding device. You can
approximate the depth to groundwater from the well driller's
drilling log when the well was initially drilled. If you
don't have this information, contact a local well driller or
practicing engineer to have the water depth confirmed by
sounding or other measurement technique.
NOTE: If you want to determine your static water level
yourself, you'll need: a small fishing weight, a 1 1/4" to 1
1/2" diameter bobber, 200 feet of a lightweight fishing line
or kite string.
Instructions:
- Attach the weight to the end of the line or string.
Affix the bobber 1 inch above the weight.
- Remove the well cap and lower the weighted end with
bobber into the well casing.
- When the bobber reaches the water level, the line will
go limp. You'll feel a slack in the line.
- At the point where you feel the slack, mark the line
at the top edge of the casing (you can tie a small knot in
the line, use tape or a marker)
- Pull the line back up from the casing. Measure the
length of the line from the bobber to the marked line.
This is your static water level.