Professional Well Flow Testing in San Diego County

How much water does your well actually produce? It's one of the most fundamental questions for any private water system owner, yet many well owners have only a vague idea of their well's true capacity. A professional well flow test provides precise measurements of your well's production, recovery rate, and sustainable yield—essential information for real estate transactions, system sizing, and evaluating well health.

Southern California Well Service performs comprehensive flow testing throughout San Diego County, providing the accurate data you need to make informed decisions about your water supply. Whether you're buying or selling property, sizing a new pump system, or investigating changes in well performance, our testing delivers reliable results you can depend on.

What Is a Well Flow Test?

A well flow test measures how much water your well can deliver, expressed in gallons per minute (GPM). But it's more than just turning on a faucet and timing how fast a bucket fills. A proper flow test evaluates your well's performance under sustained pumping conditions, measuring both peak output and sustainable yield.

The test reveals critical information:

• Static Water Level: The depth to water when the pump hasn't been running.
• Pumping Water Level: How far the water level drops during pumping (drawdown).
• Flow Rate: Gallons per minute the well produces during testing.
• Recovery Rate: How quickly the water level returns to static after pumping stops.
• Specific Capacity: Flow rate divided by drawdown—a measure of well efficiency.
• Sustainable Yield: The rate the well can maintain over extended periods.

Why Flow Testing Matters

Flow test results influence decisions worth thousands of dollars. Understanding exactly what your well can deliver prevents costly mistakes and ensures your water system meets your needs.

Real Estate Transactions

Most lenders and many buyers require flow testing before financing or purchasing property with a private well. A certified flow test documents that the well can supply adequate water for the intended use. FHA and VA loans typically require proof of a minimum flow rate—often 3-5 GPM depending on property size and use.

Pump System Sizing

Installing a pump without knowing your well's capacity is gambling with expensive equipment. A pump sized larger than the well's yield will cycle excessively, overheat, and fail prematurely. Flow testing ensures your pump matches your well's actual production.

Tracking Well Performance

Periodic flow testing creates a baseline record of well performance. When problems develop, comparing current results to historical tests reveals changes that might indicate aquifer depletion, well deterioration, or pump issues.

System Design

Planning irrigation, adding bathrooms, or installing a swimming pool? Flow testing confirms your well can handle increased demand before you invest in improvements that might exceed your water supply.

Types of Flow Tests

Different situations call for different testing protocols. We offer testing ranging from basic evaluations to comprehensive yield studies:

Standard Flow Test

Our most common test runs the well for a minimum of one hour while measuring flow rate, water levels, and pressure. This provides a reliable snapshot of well performance suitable for most residential applications and real estate transactions.

Extended Yield Test

For agricultural applications, large properties, or situations requiring detailed aquifer information, extended tests run 4-24 hours or longer. This extended duration reveals how the well performs under sustained demand and identifies any declining production that might not appear in shorter tests.

Recovery Test

After pumping stops, we measure how quickly water levels recover to static. Rapid recovery indicates good aquifer connectivity and sustainable supply. Slow recovery may suggest limited aquifer capacity or declining well conditions.

Step-Drawdown Test

This advanced test runs the pump at several different flow rates, measuring drawdown at each level. The results reveal optimal pumping rates and help identify well efficiency issues that other tests might miss.

The Testing Process

Our flow testing follows established protocols to ensure accurate, repeatable results:

• Pre-Test Period: The well rests for a minimum period before testing to allow water levels to stabilize.
• Static Level Measurement: We record the depth to water before starting the pump.
• Flow Rate Monitoring: Using calibrated equipment, we measure actual gallons per minute throughout the test.
• Water Level Tracking: We record water levels at regular intervals during pumping.
• Duration Requirements: Testing continues for the specified duration—typically one hour minimum.
• Recovery Monitoring: After pumping stops, we track water level recovery.
• Water Quality Sample: We can collect water samples for quality testing during the flow test.

Understanding Your Results

Flow test results require interpretation to be meaningful. Here's what the numbers tell you:

Flow Rate

For residential use, most experts recommend a minimum of 3-5 GPM. However, peak demand matters—two showers running simultaneously might require 5 GPM while a single faucet uses 2 GPM. A typical San Diego County household with multiple bathrooms benefits from 10+ GPM capacity.

Drawdown

Excessive drawdown during pumping can indicate an undersized well bore, clogged screens, or limited aquifer productivity. Moderate drawdown that stabilizes during pumping suggests a healthy, sustainable supply.

Recovery Rate

Wells that recover to 90% of static level within a few hours have good aquifer connectivity. Very slow recovery—taking 12-24 hours or more—may indicate limited sustainable yield even if the peak flow rate seems adequate.

Regional Comparisons

We can compare your results to typical values for your area. San Diego County wells vary tremendously—from 1-2 GPM in marginal areas to 50+ GPM in productive alluvial zones. Understanding where your well fits helps set realistic expectations.

Flow Test Requirements by Use

• Single Family Residence: 3-5 GPM minimum; 10+ GPM preferred
• FHA/VA Loan Requirements: Typically 3-5 GPM depending on home size
• Small Farm/Hobby Ranch: 10-15 GPM for household plus limited irrigation
• Significant Irrigation: 20+ GPM depending on acreage
• Commercial Agriculture: Variable; requires detailed analysis

What If My Well Produces Less Than Expected?

Low flow test results don't necessarily mean you're out of options. Several approaches can address inadequate production:

• Storage Systems: Tanks that accumulate water during low-use periods for peak demand.
• Well Rehabilitation: Cleaning, hydrofracturing, or deepening may improve production.
• Demand Reduction: Low-flow fixtures and efficient irrigation reduce requirements.
• Supplemental Wells: A second well can add capacity when rehabilitation isn't viable.
• Alternative Sources: Hauled water or shared wells for marginal situations.

Flow Testing for Well Sales

Selling property with a private well? A recent flow test demonstrates well capacity to potential buyers and satisfies lender requirements. We provide certified flow test reports that meet standard requirements for real estate transactions.

Our reports include all measured parameters, test duration, equipment used, and technician certification. This documentation protects both buyers and sellers by establishing a clear record of well performance at the time of sale.

Seasonal Considerations

Water levels and well production can vary seasonally, particularly in San Diego County's Mediterranean climate. Testing during dry summer months may show lower production than winter testing. We can advise on timing considerations for your specific situation.

For properties where seasonal variation is a concern, we may recommend testing during both wet and dry seasons to establish a complete picture of well performance throughout the year.

Need to know what your well can produce? Contact Southern California Well Service at (760) 463-0493 or visit www.scwellservice.com to schedule a professional flow test. Accurate data for confident decisions about your water supply.