Signs Your Well Is Running Dry: Warning Signs & Solutions

Few things are more stressful for a well owner than suspecting their water supply is failing. Whether it's sputtering faucets during a drought or gradually declining water pressure, recognizing the signs of a well running dry early gives you time to explore solutions before you're left completely without water. Here's what to watch for and what you can do about it.

Warning Signs Your Well May Be Running Dry

1. Sputtering Faucets and Air in the Lines

When your well's water level drops near the pump intake, it begins drawing air along with water. This creates:

Sputtering or spitting when you first turn on faucets
Bursts of air followed by water
Uneven, pulsing water flow
Loud gurgling sounds in pipes

Key indicator: If sputtering happens after heavy water use and improves after the well "rests," this strongly suggests low water level issues.

2. Muddy, Sandy, or Discolored Water

As water levels drop, your pump draws from closer to the bottom of the well where sediment accumulates:

Sandy or gritty water: Pump is pulling from sediment zone
Brown or muddy appearance: Disturbed bottom sediment
Sudden change in water appearance: May indicate dramatic drop in water level
Sediment in toilet tanks: Visible accumulation of sand or silt

Pump Damage Warning

Sand and sediment damage pump impellers and can cause premature pump failure. If you're seeing sediment, address the issue quickly to avoid expensive pump replacement.

3. Fluctuating or Declining Water Pressure

Pressure changes can indicate low well production:

Pressure drops during use: Can't maintain pressure when multiple fixtures run
Gradual pressure decline: Overall pressure lower than it used to be
Recovery after rest: Pressure improves after well sits unused for hours
Time-of-day patterns: Worse in summer or during irrigation season

4. Pump Runs Longer Than Normal

Your pump should run for a consistent time to fill the pressure tank. If it's running longer:

Well can't supply water as fast as pump is trying to move it
Pump is drawing from a diminishing column of water
May run until it cycles off on thermal overload (dangerous)
Electric bills may increase noticeably

5. Water Runs Out Completely

The most obvious sign—but by this point, you have an emergency:

Faucets produce nothing or just air
Pump runs continuously but no water comes out
Pressure gauge reads zero
May partially recover after several hours of non-use

6. Neighbors Having Similar Problems

Regional water table issues affect multiple properties:

Nearby wells experiencing same symptoms
Community discussion about drought impacts
Local news reporting on groundwater levels
New development or agriculture increasing regional water demand

What Causes Wells to Run Dry?

Drought and Climate Conditions

Extended dry periods are the most common cause of low well production in Southern California:

Reduced rainfall means less aquifer recharge
Multi-year droughts progressively lower water tables
Summer demand peaks when water tables are lowest
Climate change extending dry seasons

Increased Water Demand

Personal usage increase: Irrigation, pool filling, additional family members
Neighborhood development: More wells drawing from same aquifer
Agricultural use: Farming operations depleting groundwater
Municipal pumping: City wells impacting private well levels

Well Age and Condition

Screen blockage: Mineral deposits or biofilm reducing water entry
Silting in: Sediment accumulating at bottom, reducing effective depth
Casing deterioration: Corrosion blocking water pathways
Originally shallow: Well wasn't deep enough for long-term reliability

Pump Issues (Not Actually Dry)

Sometimes symptoms mimic a dry well but the actual problem is mechanical:

Failing pump unable to produce normal flow
Worn impellers reducing pump output
Drop pipe leak causing pump to draw air
Electrical issues affecting pump performance

Diagnosing the Problem

Professional Well Assessment

A proper diagnosis requires professional evaluation:

Static water level measurement: How deep is water when pump isn't running
Pumping water level: How far does water drop during pumping
Recovery rate: How quickly does water level return after pumping stops
Well capacity test: Gallons per minute the well can sustain
Pump output test: Verify pump is performing to specification

What the Numbers Mean

Low static level: Water table has dropped (aquifer depletion)
Excessive drawdown: Well can't keep up with pump capacity
Slow recovery: Aquifer has poor yield in your location
Low pump output: Pump may be the problem, not the well

Solutions for a Well Running Dry

1. Lower the Pump

If there's water below the current pump position, lowering it can solve the problem:

When it works:

Static water level has dropped but is still above current pump
Well has additional depth below pump
Seasonal drops that pump position can accommodate

Cost: $800-$2,000 (pulling pump, adding pipe, reinstalling)

Timeframe: Same day or next day service

2. Install a Water Storage Tank

A storage tank lets your well produce slowly around the clock while meeting peak demands:

How it works:

Large tank (500-2,500+ gallons) stores water
Well fills tank slowly over time
Booster pump delivers water at normal pressure
Tank provides reserve for high-demand periods

Cost: $3,000-$10,000 (tank, controls, booster pump)

Best for: Wells with adequate daily production but low instantaneous flow

3. Hydrofracturing (Well Deepening)

Hydrofracturing uses high-pressure water to open fractures in bedrock, improving water flow:

Process:

Pump removed from well
High-pressure water forced into rock formation
Opens existing fractures and clears blockages
Can improve yield significantly

Cost: $3,000-$8,000

Success rate: Improves yield in 70-80% of cases

Limitation: Only works in bedrock formations, not sand/gravel aquifers

4. Well Rehabilitation

Cleaning and restoring an existing well can recover lost production:

Chemical treatment: Dissolves mineral buildup and biofilm
Mechanical cleaning: Brushing and surging to clear screens
Air development: Removing accumulated sediment

Cost: $2,000-$6,000

Best for: Older wells that have gradually lost production

5. Drill a New, Deeper Well

When other options won't work, a new well may be necessary:

When to consider:

Current well is too shallow for regional water table
Aquifer at current depth is depleted
Well is old and rehabilitation isn't cost-effective
Need significantly more water than current well can provide

Cost: $15,000-$50,000+ depending on depth

Timeframe: 1-4 weeks for permitting and drilling

6. Reduce Water Usage

Sometimes the most practical solution is reducing demand:

Install water-efficient fixtures and appliances
Switch to drip irrigation for landscaping
Reduce or eliminate lawn irrigation
Spread out heavy water use throughout the day
Consider drought-tolerant landscaping

Emergency Measures When Water Runs Out

If you're completely out of water:

Stop trying to run the pump: Running dry damages the motor
Order water delivery: Tank truck can fill a storage tank
Contact neighbors: Temporary water sharing may be possible
Call a well professional: Emergency diagnosis and temporary solutions
Document everything: For insurance purposes if applicable

When to Call a Professional

Contact a well service professional when:

You notice any of the warning signs listed above
Water production has noticeably decreased
You're seeing sand or sediment in your water
Pump runs longer than it used to
You've completely run out of water
You want a proactive assessment before problems worsen

Learn more about our well diagnostic services and well drilling options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my well is running dry?

Common signs include sputtering or air in faucets, muddy or sandy water, reduced water pressure that recovers after non-use, pump running longer than normal, and water running out completely after heavy use. These symptoms often worsen during drought or high-use periods like summer.

Can a well that went dry come back?

Yes, in many cases. If the well went dry due to drought or seasonal low water tables, it often recovers when rainfall replenishes the aquifer. However, if the aquifer is permanently depleted or the well has structural issues, recovery may not occur without intervention like deepening the well or drilling a new one.

How much does it cost to fix a dry well?

Costs vary by solution: Lowering the pump costs $800-$2,000. Well deepening (hydrofracturing) runs $3,000-$8,000. Drilling a new deeper well costs $15,000-$50,000+ depending on depth. Installing a water storage tank system costs $3,000-$10,000. A professional assessment is needed to determine the best option.

How do I prevent my well from running dry?

Monitor your water usage and well performance, especially during dry seasons. Spread out heavy water use rather than using large amounts at once. Consider installing a storage tank to buffer demand. Get regular well inspections to catch problems early. During drought, implement water conservation measures.

Worried About Your Well Running Dry?

Don't wait until you're completely out of water. We provide professional well assessments, can measure your water levels, and recommend the most cost-effective solution. Serving San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Call (760) 440-8520 Well Diagnostics