You’ve heard the story. Goldilocks tried three bowls of porridge—too hot, too cold, just right. Your well is the same. Put in too little, and you’re hauling buckets from the neighbor’s spigot, feeling like a desperate pioneer. Put in too much, and you’re suddenly the owner of an artesian fountain that floods your garden and impresses no one but the mosquitoes.
I once knew a guy named Dave who decided to “go big” on his well. He drilled down 300 feet, thinking he’d hit the Amazon underground. Instead, he hit a pocket of sulfur water that smelled like a gym sock dipped in old eggs. His advice? “Start small, and test the water before you commit to a full-on plumbing marriage.” Smart man, that Dave.
So, How Much Is Enough?
Professionals will tell you that the average household well needs about 5 to 10 gallons per minute. But that’s like saying a good chili needs beans—technically true, but it ignores the soul. For most of us, it’s about three things: your family size, your daily water habits, and whether you have a teenager who takes 45-minute showers. That teenager is your water meter.
Let’s break it down like a bad math problem. A typical person uses 80-100 gallons a day. That’s flushing, drinking, washing, and watering the prize-winning petunias. Multiply that by your household, add a buffer for guests and the occasional laundry marathon, and you’ve got your target. But here’s the kicker: wells aren’t like credit cards. You can’t just overpay and hope for a refund. The earth gives what it gives.
Box 1 – How Much Water is Needed from a Domestic Well? – Domestic Wells
