How to read a well log

Well logs vary from State to State but most should include a depth and GPM

Well logs vary from State to State but most should include a depth and GPM

 
 

Reading a well Log

One of the first things I do when looking a purchase a new property is to look at the well log for the property if there is a well on it.

The well log will contain a lot of information but the two key things you want to look at.

  1. How many GPM the 4 hour pump flow test yield? In this case 5 GPM (Gallons Per Minute).

  2. How deep is the well? In this case 200 feet deep.  

Two key thing to remember in regards to the GPM listed are

  1. The GPM listed is typically from a traditional bucket test which are not the most accurate. This means a 5 GPM test could be 3 GPM.

  2. Even if the original test was accurate its no guarantee that the well or pump is still capable of producing that today.

Overall well logs are a useful tool to get you started on purchasing a piece of property but you always want to conduct a pump flow test at time of purchase to ensure accuracy of previous tests and current well production rates. The pump flow test we conduct is highly accurate and not prone to error like the bucket test. Having your well tested with PFT will give you confidence that it will be up to the task of providing water to your family.