September 12, 1996

RE: WATER QUANTITY TESTING

Maida Services, Inc. began providing water quantity testing on private water supplies (residential wells) approximately 2 years ago because of market demand. We were receiving numerous requests from clients who were concerned about possible insufficient water quantity, consistent output, and possible well and/or pump failure during high volume use or during dry seasons.

It is generally accepted that a private well should produce a minimum of 5 gallons per minute (gpm), and should maintain that quantity for a period of at least 4 hours.

• The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, in their Fact Sheet (Technical Bulletin WSPCD-WSEB-1995-3) states, "A typical household requires approximately 5 gallons per minute (gpm) to meet modest domestic water needs…"
• The United States Department of Agriculture, Farmers Home Administration Guidelines require a minimum well yield of 1,200 gallons for a four hour period (5 gpm).

Persons who question the validity of a 4 hour test should consider that a few loads of laundry and watering the lawn could easily stress the well for 4 hours. Buyers have the right to know if the private water system is capable of this modest minimum output.

Our Testing Procedures:

Our inspectors will hook up a hose and two gauges to an outside water faucet. The gauges measure gallons per minute (gpm) and psi. We measure and record the gpm and psi at the start of the test and at half hour intervals. The client may choose a two, three or four hour test. If the gpm or psi drops below acceptable levels or if we note that the pump is laboring, we will stop the test. We would not continue the test if it becomes apparent that there is a problem with the private water system. It is not our intent to over-stress the pump or run the well dry. This test is performed to reveal potential problems.

Because this test can reveal such things as pump failure, drop in pressure and gpm, insufficient water supply, loss of water pressure, sediment in water (which could clog water filtration systems), etc, we require our client (the buyer) to sign a contract stating that permission has been obtained from the seller to perform this test. We accept no liability in the event that these conditions occur during the test. The purpose of this test is to reveal these potential problems. If any of these conditions occur, we recommend further evaluation and repair by a qualified well company. We do not provide referrals for this work.

                    Other Useful Websites

NH-DES - Environmental Fact Sheet Overview Of Water Supply Sources:

http://www.des.state.nh.us/factsheets/ws/ws-1-1.htm

NH-DES - Environmental Fact Sheet - Dug Well Design:

http://www.des.state.nh.us/factsheets/ws/ws-1-4.htm

NH-DES - Environmental Fact Sheet - Recommended Minimum Water Supply Capacity for
Private Wells:

http://www.des.state.nh.us/factsheets/ws/ws-1-8.htm

We are ASHI Certified, Degreed, Educated, Licensed Home Inspectors, providing home inspection services, including water testing, radon, termite, lead paint inspections, serving Massachusetts (MA), New Hampshire (NH) and southern Maine (ME).

Copyright © 1999-2006 Sandra Maida
Last modified: June 25, 2007