If a well produces sand, mud, or cloudy water, it may indicate a problem with the water intake, the screens, or the position of the pump. In some newly drilled wells, a certain amount of sediment may appear at first, but if the problem continues, the well should be inspected.

Common causes of sand in well water

The most common causes are:

• The pump is installed too close to the bottom.

• Damaged screens or slotted sections.

• Deteriorated well casing.

• Water extraction exceeds the flow rate the well can provide.

• Sediment has accumulated after years without maintenance.

• Insufficient cleaning after drilling.

The screens and casing are designed to allow water to enter while reducing the passage of materials from the surrounding ground. When they become damaged or are incorrectly sized, a greater amount of sand may enter the well.

Can sand damage the pump?

Yes. Sand is abrasive and can wear down impellers, bearings, and other pump components. In addition, the progressive deterioration of the screens can further increase the amount of sediment entering the well and reduce the service life of the entire system.

How can the problem be solved?

The solution will depend on the source of the problem. It may be necessary to:

• Raise the position of the pump.

• Clean and redevelop the well.

• Inspect the casing and screens.

• Reduce the pumping rate.

• Install a sediment filtration system.

• Rehabilitate the well when structural damage is present.

Installing only a domestic filter may retain some of the sand, but it will not solve the underlying problem causing the sediment to enter.

Cloudy water in wells in Barcelona and Catalonia

Ground conditions vary considerably across different areas of Barcelona and Catalonia. For this reason, it is important to inspect the construction of the well and adapt the pumping system to the actual available flow rate.

At Perforacions i Bombes Barcelona, we inspect wells, pumps, and water extraction systems to identify the source of the sediment and apply the appropriate solution.