One of the most misunderstood aspects of well planning is recovery rate.

Recovery rate is how quickly a well refills itself after being pumped down. It’s measured in gallons per minute (gpm).

Why Recovery Rate Matters

Your irrigation or commercial system may require:

• 10–25+ gallons per minute
• Consistent pressure
• Long daily runtimes

If your well cannot recover fast enough, you may experience:

• Pressure drops
• Pump cycling
• System failure
• Premature pump wear

The Straw Analogy

Our Commercial Planning Guide explains recovery rate using a straw-in-water example. When you release your finger, water rises quickly, then slows as it approaches equilibrium. That slowing effect mirrors how artesian wells behave.

Water flows rapidly at first, then slows as static levels equalize.

Yield vs. Storage

Some wells may produce lower yields but can still function effectively with:

• Storage tanks
• Constant pressure systems
• Adjusted watering schedules

Why Testing Is Essential

You cannot assume yield. Pump testing and flow measurement after drilling determine:

• True production capacity
• Pump sizing
• Irrigation scheduling
• Long-term viability

Understanding recovery rate before system design prevents oversizing pumps and underperforming systems.