Shallow well water pumps are an option for homeowners in Arizona if you live in an area where the groundwater is relatively close to the surface.
You can use a shallow well for residential use or moderate irrigation.
Arizona has more than 85,000 groundwater wells, as reported in the Journal of the American Water Resources Association.
The number of new shallow wells has decreased over time, but a shallow well may be a good choice depending on the location of your home.
You can maximize the efficiency of your well by choosing the right size pump and storage tank.
What Are Shallow Well Pumps Used For?
Shallow well water pumps are used for wells that bring water up from relatively close to the surface of the ground.
Shallow wells are usually at a depth of 25 feet or less, but the depth will vary depending on:
- Geographic location
- Local hydrogeology
- Water table fluctuations
Shallow well pumps are less powerful than pumps for deep wells because the water doesn’t need to travel as far.
One of the most common uses for well water pumps is residential, especially for shallow wells.
Arizona shallow wells are possible in some types of aquifers.
Basin-fill or alluvial aquifers are underneath many valleys in southern and central Arizona.
The depth to groundwater is less than 100 feet in some areas.
Fractured rock aquifers are found in the mountains and foothills of Arizona as well as parts of the Basin and Range highlands.
Water collects in fractures and faults in the rock, which is why the water is at a shallower depth.
A shallow well may also be an option if your home is near surface water like a river or stream.
What’s the Difference Between a Shallow Well and a Deep Well?
The obvious difference between a shallow well and a deep well is the depth.
A shallow well is usually 25 feet or less, but a deep well can be 100 feet or more below the surface.
Although deep wells can reach larger and more consistent water sources, they’re more expensive to install.
They require more labor, materials, and specialized equipment.
The water is less likely to be contaminated by pollutants on the surface, but if anything goes wrong, a deep well can be harder to access for maintenance.
The type of well to use for your residential water supply depends on the location of your home.
Which Type of Well Pump is Commonly Used for Shallow Wells?
Jet pumps are the most common type of shallow pumps for desert irrigation, but centrifugal pumps are also an option.
Shallow well water pumps usually sit above ground level and pull water up through a tube.
The water then goes into a storage tank or directly into your home after passing through a pressure tank.
Jet Pump
Jet pumps are the most popular type of shallow well pump.
They create a vacuum that pulls water up through a suction pipe.
A single-stage jet pump has enough power for shallow wells of 25 feet or less.
You would need a multi-stage jet pump for a well between 25 and 80 feet deep.
Jet pumps are easy to service and maintain because they’re above ground.
Centrifugal Pump
Centrifugal pumps have an electric motor that powers a rotating impeller.
The impeller creates pressure and flow to bring water to the surface.
Centrifugal pumps are less efficient than jet pumps, but they have a simple design and need less maintenance.
They’re a lower cost option for households with light water usage.
Is It Better to Oversize or Undersize a Pump?
An oversize or undersize well pump can cause problems.
A professional well services company will help you choose the right size pump for your home.
Problems with the Wrong Size Well Pump
An oversize pump wastes energy.
It will wear out sooner because of short cycling, which damages the motor.
It can strain the plumbing in your home.
An undersize pump will struggle to provide enough water to meet your needs.
Faucets will sputter because of the low water pressure.
How to Find the Right Size Well Pump
One of the best shallow pump efficiency methods is to start with the right size pump.
First, you need to calculate how much water your household uses at peak demand.
Demand is measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
You can estimate your maximum flow rate by counting 1 GPM for each appliance and fixture that uses water.
A professional technician can do a water usage audit for a more precise calculation.
The size of the pressure tank is also important.
The pump should be strong enough to fill the tank but not so strong that it turns on and off too often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is Better: A 30/50 or 40/60 Pressure Switch?
A 30/50 pressure switch is enough for most homes with average water demand.
If your home is large, multi-story, or has high water usage, you may need a 40/60 switch.
The pressure switch controls when the well pump turns on and off.
The pump will start at 30 or 40 psi and stop at 50 or 60 psi.
How Long Can a Shallow Well Pump Run Continuously?
Most shallow well pumps aren’t designed to run continuously.
They cycle on and off as they fill the storage tank, which for a typical shallow well pump takes 1-2 minutes.
The pump will run longer if you’re watering your lawn or filling a swimming pool.
Some manufacturers set a recommended limit of starts per day or per hour.
The Right Shallow Well Water Pumps for Your Arizona Home
Shallow well water pumps can be an option in Arizona depending on where you live.
They’re the best choice when you’re bringing water up 25 feet or less.
A shallow well pump can keep up with the water usage of most homes.
Pump It Up, Pump Service, Inc. is a full-service residential and municipal water well and pump service company.
We’ll help you find the right pump for your home, handle the installation, and make a maintenance plan to keep your well in top working condition.
We’ve built our reputation on excellence in our work and our customer service.
Reach out to Pump It Up, Pump Service, Inc today for your Arizona well water needs, and let us show you the difference quality and integrity can make.
Professional Well Camera Inspection Service
Trust Pump It Up Pump Services, Inc. for reliable and thorough well camera inspection services. Our expert team uses advanced equipment to accurately assess your well’s condition, helping identify issues before they become costly repairs.
Call 623-582-5069 or request service online today!