Quick Answer
A deep well pump is necessary when the water table is too deep to be accessed by a hand pump, typically below 100-150 feet. In such cases, a deep well pump is required to pump water from a significant depth, often with additional equipment like a submersible pump or a jet pump.
Depth Considerations
When determining whether to use a hand pump or a deep well pump, depth is a critical factor. A hand pump can typically access water tables up to 100 feet deep, but as the depth increases, the pressure required to lift the water becomes too great for a hand pump to handle. For example, a well with a water table at 120 feet might require a deep well pump to maintain a flow rate of at least 1 gallon per minute (GPM).
Pump Type and Capacity
In general, a deep well pump is necessary when the static water level (SWL) is below 100 feet, or when the pump needs to lift water more than 10-15 feet vertically. The type and capacity of the pump required depend on the total dynamic head (TDH), which includes the depth to the water table, the height to which the water needs to be lifted, and any friction losses in the piping. For example, a well with a TDH of 200 feet might require a submersible pump with a capacity of 5-10 GPM.
Additional Equipment Considerations
In addition to the pump itself, other equipment may be necessary to support a deep well pump, such as a pressure tank, a control panel, and a monitoring system. The pressure tank helps to manage pressure fluctuations and maintain a steady flow rate, while the control panel and monitoring system enable remote monitoring and control of the pump. When specifying equipment for a deep well pump, it’s essential to consider factors like voltage, amperage, and motor horsepower to ensure the system operates efficiently and effectively.
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