1. Document the well
Collect construction records, datum, static and pumping levels, pump setting, test method, test duration, recovery and seasonal history. Keep test yield separate from a recommended sustained withdrawal.
2. Build demand cases
Separate average daily volume, peak flow, peak duration, refill windows and emergency or outage demand. State every assumption instead of using one unexplained per-person number.
3. Compare source and demand
Check daily source production at a defensible pumping schedule and calculate the peak-period storage gap. A daily surplus does not guarantee peak flow.
4. Build the pump duty point
Use the representative pumping level, discharge elevation, required dynamic pressure and all flow-dependent losses. Check seasonal low-level and maximum-pressure cases.
5. Read the exact pump curve
Confirm configuration, efficiency, motor load, allowable region, shutoff pressure and changing water levels. Do not size from horsepower or connection diameter alone.
6. Plan controls and protection
Coordinate pressure switch or variable-speed control, dry-run protection, level controls, check valves, relief provisions and safe electrical installation.
7. Size pressure and bulk storage
Use pressure-tank drawdown to meet motor run-time objectives. Use bulk storage for slow source flow, peaks, outages or scheduled refill; these are different functions.
8. Address water quality
Protect the wellhead, test through an appropriate laboratory, select treatment for measured conditions and include treatment pressure loss and maintenance.
9. Commission and monitor
Record dynamic pressure, flow, start frequency, pumping level, recovery and water quality. Preserve baseline data so changes can be diagnosed.
Worked example
A 12 L/min sustained source covers 4,500 L/day within a 10-hour pumping window, but a 30 L/min 90-minute peak creates a 1,620 L gap before reserve. That storage decision then changes the pump’s required instantaneous flow.
Sources
- U.S. Geological Survey — Basic Ground-Water Hydrology
- U.S. Geological Survey — Water Resources Glossary
- Hydraulic Institute — Combined Pump & System Curves