Well yield test
A well yield test measures the sustainable volume of water a well can produce over a period of time, usually expressed in gallons per minute.
Why it matters
It tells you whether the well can support a household's daily water needs. A low-yield well may need a storage tank or deeper drilling.
Where people get this wrong
Initial pump output can be high but drops as the aquifer depletes. The sustained yield after several hours of pumping is the true capacity.
Real-world example
The driller pumps the well for 4 hours. It started at 15 GPM but settled to a sustained yield of 8 GPM, which is adequate for a typical 4-bedroom home.
Where this hits your build
This matters before and during site work. Rural systems have regulations, setbacks, and maintenance requirements that affect where you can build and how you live.
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