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Private well yield and recovery test checklist

A well-performance checklist for defining the purpose of testing, reviewing well log and prior seasonal behavior, measuring static water level with appropriate equipment, selecting a qualified pumping or flow-test method and duration, recording discharge rate and disposal location, monitoring drawdown, pump performance, turbidity and recovery, avoiding damage to a low-yield well or nearby property, interpreting sustainable yield separately from short-term plumbing flow, relating results to household demand and storage options and issuing limitations and drought-season recommendations before purchase or pump redesign.

6 items to check

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Test purpose, household demand and decision threshold are defined

Critical item

A short flow check and aquifer yield test answer different questions.

Well construction, pump setting, static level and recent use are documented

Critical item

Initial conditions affect drawdown and interpretation.

Discharge rate, duration, measurement devices and disposal are planned safely

Critical item

The test should not recycle water near the well or damage property.

Rate, water level, pump behavior and water appearance are recorded throughout

Critical item

Performance trend matters more than one endpoint.

Recovery is measured after pumping and compared with baseline

Critical item

Recovery helps characterize available supply and stress.

Sustainable supply, uncertainty, storage and demand-management options are explained

Critical item

A result should not guarantee future drought performance.

Use when supply adequacy is material to a purchase, new occupancy or pump project. Test standards and required professionals vary locally. Do not enter septic tanks, wells, pits or excavations; lean over open tanks; breathe confined-space gases; touch exposed wiring; operate pumps dry; drink unverified water; add chemicals to mask a failing system; or drive heavy equipment over tanks and drainfields. Openings require secure barriers and qualified control. Private-well and septic rules vary substantially by jurisdiction.

Reference standards

  • Applicable state, tribal and local onsite-wastewater, private-well, plumbing, health, environmental, electrical and building requirements; local health department and water or sewer authority records; approved site evaluation, design and permits; property survey and easements; qualified inspection, drilling, laboratory and service reports; and exact tank, pump, alarm, treatment, well, pressure-system and disinfection instructions
  • State well program and qualified well-contractor test protocol

    • Tools

  • Property survey, septic and well permits, as-builts, pumping and service records, water results, utility maps, disclosures, manuals, receipts and photographs
  • Camera, tape, flashlight and owner-safe observation tools; qualified probing, locating, pumping, camera, hydraulic, electrical, yield, pressure and laboratory testing where permitted
  • Qualified onsite-wastewater professional, septic designer, installer, pumper, plumber, electrician, well contractor, pump professional, certified laboratory and health department as applicable

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