The static water level in a well is the depth of the water under normal conditions. It is best measured when a well has not been pumped for several hours.

How Do I Measure My Static Water Level? I have outlined a few of the methods below.

Electric Water Level Sounder

The level sounder cable is lowered into the well until the signal device indicates that a closed circuit has occurred. The circuit closes when the probe and sensor at the end of the cable reaches water.

Wetted Tape

This method is used when the water level is already known to within a few feet and typically used for depths up to 90 feet. To measure the depth, coat several feet at the end of a steel measuring tape, attach a weight to the end, and lower it down the well until the end is under water. Lower the tape a little more so that it is even with the next foot marker at the surface level. Make note of the feet indicated, remove the tape from the well, and record the length of the tape that was under water. The difference between the measurements is the depth of the static water level.

Air Line

Extend a small diameter pipe or tube from the top of the well to a point about 20 feet below the lowest anticipated water level. Attach a pressure gauge to the airline at the surface with a tire valve so that you can pump air into the line. Pump air into the line until you get a maximum reading. The reading will be equal to the pressure exerted by the column of water outside of the the air line. Convert the pressure to feet (1 PSI equals 2.31 feet) and subtract from total vertical length of the air line to get the depth of the water.

Bobber Method

Attach a small weight to the end of a lightweight fishing line or kite string. Attach a fishing bobber one inch above the weight. Remove the well cap and low the weighted end of the line into the well casing. The line will go limp when the bobber reaches the water level. Mark the line at the top of the well case when the line goes limp. Pull the line back up from the well casing and measure the length of the line from your mark to the bobber to determine your static water level.

A word of CAUTION: Be careful when putting anything into your well as items may get caught on pipes or edges in the well.