How Often Should I Clean My Groundwater Well?

The frequency of well cleaning depends on the natural conditions of your aquifer and the specific problems affecting your well, such as iron-related bacteria (IRB) contamination. Since these bacteria exist deep within the aquifer and cannot be completely eliminated, regular maintenance is necessary to keep the system performing at its best.

Key Guidelines for Cleaning Frequency:

1. Monitor for Signs of Declining Performance

   • Watch for reduced water flow, discoloration, clogging, or pressure changes.

   • These are signs that iron oxide residues and bacteria may be building up again.

2. Treat at the Halfway Point of Decline

   • Iron bacteria multiply exponentially, so performance can drop off quickly once buildup begins.

   • To avoid this, schedule cleaning when performance has declined halfway to an unacceptable level—not when it's already bad.

   • This keeps the system running efficiently and avoids costly emergency maintenance.

3. Use Historical and Telemetry Data

   • Look at past cleaning records, pump performance logs, and telemetry data to identify trends.

   • These records help you predict when the next cleaning should happen.

4. Benefit: Lower Long-Term Costs

   • Regular, proactive cleaning reduces stress on the system, extends equipment life, and locks in the lowest possible ongoing maintenance costs.

Example:

If your well starts showing performance issues every 12 months, consider scheduling cleanings every 6 months. This keeps performance high and prevents sudden failures or costly repairs.