Awareness of groundwater level is critical to pump health. Falling levels can reach the inlet point of the once submerged pump. When that occurs, air is drawn into the pump and a mixture of air and water cavitate into a pressurized fury of air-water bubbles. This cavitation has the power to quickly erode and damage the pump.
Falling groundwater levels also alter pump efficiency. With the changing water level, overall pump efficiency and energy consumption can drift substantially from original design criteria.
Both of these threats to groundwater supply are mitigated by regular monitoring of groundwater levels and overall pumping efficiency. A prudent insurance policy against a pump failure just before harvest. Level up and make groundwater monitoring routine!
Photo: Val King holding a cross section of a typical submersible pump for a domestic water supply. It’s designed for years of reliable operation. Falling groundwater levels may result in the ingestion of air, sand, or gravel, leading to compromised flow and potentially expensive repairs.
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Val King is a leading advocate of farm technology and irrigation efficiency. Collaborative in helping growers develop technology capabilities to solve challenges with labor, regulation, and irrigation execution. Several years of practical hands-on farm knowledge in Pacific Northwest apples, coastal vines, vegetables and Central Valley vines, nut & row crops. He currently serves on the Sonoma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency Advisory Committee.