It’s important to first determine if your well is being affected by an issue related to well maintenance, construction, or pump mechanics. Wells and their components require periodic maintenance and/or replacement. In most cases, wells do not go permanently dry but no longer produce due to construction deficiencies, lack of maintenance, or pump issues.

A homeowner should first call a licensed well driller and pump installer to assess the well. If you do not have a water well company you work with already, you can find one on our list of the companies that have worked with the District here or The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) maintains a list of licensed well drillers and pump installers here. Steps you can take to check if your well has gone dry include: 

• Conserve water and reduce your pumping rate to let your well recover. Certain aquifers are less permeable and more drought prone. Wells drilled into those aquifers can be low yielding and may take longer to recover or refill. Installing a water meter can also help you assess how much water you are using. 

• Monitor and protect your pump. Low water levels can cause pumps to overheat and make your pump cycle on and off which can burn out the motor. If your pump is rapidly cycling on and off, turn it off. Installing an automatic low-flow shutoff switch, or a pump saver, can also protect your pump. 

• Add a water storage tank if you have low or fluctuating yield. Adding a storage tank will help meet peak demand and help you maintain a steady water supply. It can also extend the life of your pump, help dissipate sulfur odors, and settle any sediment. 

• If your pump sounds like it is sucking air, let it rest. Indications that your well may be experiencing problems due to declining water levels and drought include a drop in water pressure, the well may begin to produce sediment and/or air bubbles, and you may notice “dirty” or milky looking tap water that clears after a short time.

If it appears your well has indeed gone dry for the time being, please fill out this form.