Preparing Your Well for Drought

Drought is an inevitable reality for California well owners. Whether you're experiencing declining water levels now or preparing for the next dry cycle, taking proactive steps today can prevent water emergencies tomorrow. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about drought-proofing your well—from early warning signs to backup systems and conservation strategies.

⚡ Drought Preparation Priority Checklist

• Establish baseline static water level measurements
• Have your well professionally inspected
• Fix all leaks and install low-flow fixtures
• Consider adding water storage capacity
• Review and optimize irrigation systems
• Know your backup options before you need them

Understanding Drought and Your Well

Private wells draw from groundwater aquifers that are recharged primarily through rainfall and snowmelt. During extended dry periods, these aquifers receive less recharge while demand often increases—a combination that can cause water levels to drop significantly.

How Drought Affects Wells

The impact of drought on your well depends on several factors:

Well depth: Deeper wells generally have more buffer against drought
Aquifer type: Bedrock aquifers respond differently than alluvial aquifers
Regional usage: Neighboring wells and agricultural pumping affect local water tables
Well yield: Low-yield wells are more vulnerable than high-yield wells
Static water level: How much water sits above your pump intake

📉 How Drought Impacts Progress Over Time

Year 1 of Drought

Early Warning Signs

Slightly longer pump run times, subtle pressure changes during peak use

Year 2-3 of Drought

Noticeable Decline

Reduced flow rates, air in lines during heavy use, water quality changes

Extended Drought

Critical Conditions

Well running dry during peak demand, pump damage risk, emergency situations

Early Warning Signs Your Well Is Affected

Catching problems early gives you time to respond before you're in crisis mode. Watch for these warning signs:

Physical Signs

⚠️ Declining Water Pressure

Noticeable drop from previous normal, especially during peak use times

⚠️ Air Spurting From Faucets

Indicates pump is pulling air as water level approaches intake

⚠️ Sandy or Silty Water

Lower water levels can disturb sediment at the bottom of the well

⚠️ Longer Pump Run Times

Pump working harder to maintain pressure or fill storage

⚠️ Short Cycling

Pump turns on and off frequently—may indicate well recovery issues

⚠️ Water Quality Changes

Taste, odor, or color changes may indicate dropping water levels

If you're experiencing any of these issues, see our guide on what to do when your well has no water.

Step 1: Know Your Well's Baseline

You can't manage what you don't measure. Establishing baseline data about your well is the foundation of drought preparation.

Critical Measurements to Track

Static Water Level

The depth from the surface to the water when the pump hasn't run for several hours. This is your most important drought indicator.

Measure monthly during normal conditions
Measure weekly during drought
Always measure at the same time of day
Record date, time, and recent usage before measurement

Pumping (Dynamic) Water Level

The depth to water while the pump is running. The difference between static and pumping levels indicates well yield.

Measure after pump has run for 15-30 minutes
Greater drawdown during drought indicates declining yield

Well Recovery Rate

How quickly the water level returns to static after pumping stops. Slower recovery = less water available.

📊 Pro Tip: Keep a Well Log

Create a simple spreadsheet tracking: date, static water level, any issues noticed, and monthly water usage. This data is invaluable for identifying trends and making informed decisions about your well.

Review Your Well Records

Gather and review these documents if available:

Well completion report: Shows original well depth, casing details, and initial yield
Well log: Describes geological formations penetrated
Pump specifications: Pump depth, flow rate, horsepower
Previous service records: Any past issues or modifications

Don't have these records? A professional well inspection can establish your current baseline and identify potential concerns.

Step 2: Professional Well Assessment

A professional evaluation before drought conditions worsen gives you time to plan and budget for any needed improvements.

What a Drought-Readiness Assessment Includes

Assessment Component	What It Reveals
Static Water Level Measurement	Current groundwater level and available buffer
Well Yield Test	How much water your well can sustainably produce
Pump Performance Check	Whether pump is operating efficiently
Video Inspection	Casing condition, screen integrity, obstructions
Water Quality Test	Baseline quality for comparison if levels drop
System Review	Pressure tank, controls, and overall system health

Potential Improvement Options

Based on the assessment, your well professional may recommend:

Lowering the pump: If there's room, positioning the pump deeper provides more buffer
Well rehabilitation: Cleaning and developing the well can restore lost capacity
Well deepening: Extending your well into deeper aquifers
Hydrofracturing: Creating new water channels in bedrock wells
Storage addition: Installing tanks to buffer against temporary shortages

Step 3: Water Conservation Strategies

Conservation is your first line of defense. Reducing demand extends your water supply and puts less stress on your well and aquifer.

Indoor Conservation

🚿 Low-Flow Fixtures

WaterSense toilets (1.28 gpf), showerheads (2.0 gpm), and faucet aerators can reduce indoor use 20-30%

🔧 Fix All Leaks

A dripping faucet wastes 5+ gallons/day; a running toilet can waste 200 gallons/day

🧺 Efficient Appliances

High-efficiency washers use 15-30 gallons vs. 40+ gallons for older models

🍽️ Smart Water Habits

Only run full loads, don't pre-rinse dishes, take shorter showers

Outdoor Conservation

Outdoor irrigation typically accounts for 50-70% of residential water use—this is where the biggest savings are possible.

🌱 Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

Native plants, xeriscaping, and removing thirsty lawns can cut outdoor use 50%+

💧 Drip Irrigation

90% efficient vs. 50-70% for sprinklers; delivers water directly to roots

🎛️ Smart Controllers

Weather-based controllers adjust watering based on conditions, saving 20-30%

⏰ Water at Right Times

Early morning (4-9 AM) reduces evaporation; never water midday or during wind

Leak Detection

Even small leaks waste significant water. Here's how to find them:

Meter Test for Hidden Leaks

Turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures
Record your water meter reading
Wait 2 hours without using any water
Check meter again—if it's moved, you have a leak

No meter? Monitor your pressure tank cycles. If the pump runs when nothing is being used, you have a leak.

Step 4: Increase Water Storage

Adding storage capacity is one of the most effective drought preparations. Storage tanks allow your well to pump slowly around the clock, accumulating water for peak demand periods.

Storage Tank Benefits During Drought

Buffer against low yield: Even a 1 GPM well can fill a 1,400-gallon tank overnight
Allows well recovery: Pump cycles with rest periods instead of continuous running
Emergency reserve: Water available if well temporarily fails
Fire protection: Many insurance companies offer discounts for adequate storage
Reduces pump stress: Fewer on/off cycles extend pump life

🏗️ Storage Tank Sizing Guide

1,500 gal

1-2 bedroom home
Low water use

2,500 gal

3-4 bedroom home
Moderate use

Storage System Components

A complete storage system includes:

Storage tank: Poly or concrete, above or below ground
Float switch: Controls well pump based on tank level
Booster pump: Delivers water from tank to house at proper pressure
Pressure tank: Maintains consistent delivery pressure
Check valves: Prevent backflow
Low-level cutoff: Protects booster pump from running dry

Learn more about pressure tank systems and costs.

Step 5: Consider Well Modifications

If your well is showing drought stress, several modifications can improve its resilience:

Lowering the Pump

If your well is deeper than your current pump setting, lowering the pump provides more water buffer above the intake.

Typical cost: $500 - $1,500

Requirements: Sufficient well depth below current pump, adequate water quality at deeper level

Considerations: May require longer electrical cable and drop pipe

Well Deepening

Extending your well into deeper formations can access additional water. This is often more economical than drilling a new well.

Typical cost: $50 - $100 per foot plus casing

Requirements: Existing casing in good condition, deeper aquifer formations present

Success factors: Review of well logs from deeper wells in your area

Hydrofracturing

For bedrock wells, hydrofracturing uses high-pressure water to open and connect fractures, potentially increasing yield.

Typical cost: $1,500 - $3,500

Best for: Granite, gneiss, and other hard rock wells

Success rate: Improves yield in approximately 70-80% of suitable wells

Well Rehabilitation

Over time, wells can become clogged with mineral deposits, bacteria, or sediment. Professional rehabilitation can restore lost capacity.

Typical cost: $1,000 - $3,000

Methods: Chemical treatment, mechanical cleaning, surging, air lifting

Best for: Wells with declining yield over time, not just drought

Step 6: Develop Backup Water Plans

Even with the best preparation, severe droughts can overwhelm any well. Having backup plans provides peace of mind.

Backup Options Comparison

Option	Pros	Cons	Cost Range
Second Well	Permanent solution, may tap different aquifer	High upfront cost, no guarantee of success	$15,000-$40,000
Municipal Connection	Reliable backup, can be used as supplement	Not available in all areas, connection fees	$3,000-$15,000
Hauled Water	No infrastructure needed, flexible	Ongoing cost, requires storage tank	$200-$400/load
Rainwater Harvesting	Sustainable, reduces well dependence	Unreliable during drought, storage needed	$5,000-$15,000
Greywater Recycling	Reduces well demand for irrigation	Regulatory requirements, maintenance	$2,000-$8,000

Emergency Water Hauling

Know your local water hauling options before you need them:

Research and save contact information for 2-3 water hauling companies
Confirm they serve your area and understand delivery logistics
Ensure you have adequate storage tank capacity (minimum 2,500 gallons recommended)
Know the access requirements—can a water truck reach your tank?

Special Considerations for California Well Owners

SGMA and Groundwater Management

California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is bringing changes to groundwater use in critically overdrafted basins. While most private domestic wells are currently exempt from metering and allocation requirements, this may change. Stay informed about:

Your local Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA)
Basin sustainability plans and timelines
Potential future pumping limitations
Well registration requirements

Regional Considerations

San Diego and Riverside County areas have varying drought vulnerability:

Coastal valleys: Generally more stable aquifers with higher recharge
Inland valleys (Ramona, Valley Center): Moderate vulnerability, decomposed granite aquifers
Mountain areas (Julian, Palomar): Fractured rock aquifers, highly variable
Desert fringe (Borrego Springs, Anza): Most vulnerable, limited recharge

Creating Your Drought Action Plan

Put your preparation into a documented plan:

📋 Personal Drought Action Plan Template

1. Well Baseline Data

Static water level: ___ ft | Well depth: ___ ft | Pump setting: ___ ft | Yield: ___ GPM

2. Trigger Levels

Yellow alert (begin conservation): Static level drops ___ ft

Red alert (implement backup plan): Static level drops ___ ft

3. Conservation Measures (prioritized)

Level 1: _________________________ | Level 2: _________________________

4. Backup Water Sources

Primary backup: _____________ | Contact: _____________

Secondary backup: _____________ | Contact: _____________

5. Professional Contacts

Well service company: Southern California Well Service (760) 463-0493

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my well is affected by drought?

Early warning signs include: declining water pressure, pump running longer to fill tanks, air spurting from faucets, water becoming sandy or silty, well pump cycling more frequently, and reduced water flow compared to previous years. Regular static water level monitoring provides the most accurate assessment.

Can I deepen my well during a drought?

Yes, well deepening is often possible and more affordable than drilling a new well. However, it depends on your current well construction, local geology, and whether deeper water-bearing formations exist. A professional assessment of your well logs and area hydrogeology is needed to determine feasibility.

How much water can I save with drought conservation measures?

Typical households can reduce well water usage by 30-50% through conservation measures like fixing leaks, installing low-flow fixtures, adjusting irrigation schedules, and using drought-tolerant landscaping. Smart irrigation controllers alone can reduce outdoor water use by 20-30%.

Should I install a storage tank to prepare for drought?

Storage tanks are excellent drought preparation. They allow your well to pump slowly around the clock, storing water for peak demand periods. A 2,500-5,000 gallon tank can buffer against temporary well capacity issues and provide emergency reserves. Tanks are especially valuable for wells with declining yields.

How often should I monitor my well during drought?

During drought conditions, check your static water level monthly or more frequently if you notice changes. Keep a log of water levels, pump run times, and any changes in water quality. This data helps identify trends and informs decisions about conservation or well modifications.

What backup water options exist for wells during drought?

Options include: installing water storage tanks, drilling a second well or deepening existing well, connecting to municipal water if available, rainwater harvesting systems, hauled water delivery service, and water recycling systems (greywater for irrigation). The best choice depends on your property, budget, and local regulations.

Concerned About Your Well During Drought?

Don't wait until you're out of water to take action. Southern California Well Service can assess your well's drought readiness, recommend improvements, and help you develop a solid backup plan. We've helped hundreds of San Diego and Riverside County property owners through multiple drought cycles.

Call (760) 463-0493 Request Drought Assessment