Why winter is the decision window
Winter gives the most stable conditions to evaluate wells. With irrigation off and demand low, you can measure true static water levels, verify meter performance, and schedule maintenance without disrupting operations. Capturing this baseline now reduces spring surprises and positions projects for permits, transfers, financing, or property transactions. Water Rights Pro coordinates efficient, on-site checks and delivers clear documentation you can rely on through the coming water year.
What to cover in a streamlined winter check
Begin with a rested static water level measurement. Record depth to water, the time since last pumping, and recent precipitation if notable. Follow with a short pump test to capture discharge, drawdown, and recovery. Verify meter size, serial number, and calibration status and compare totals to a timed flow check. Inspect the wellhead, sanitary seal, vent, conduit, and electrical controls to catch small issues before they become outages. We package results into a concise memo with photos and practical next steps.
Focused water quality that answers real questions
Keep testing targeted and defensible. Prioritize coliform and E. coli for basic safety, nitrate where agriculture is present, and arsenic in known areas. Add pH and conductivity to flag corrosion or scaling risk. If you see staining or odors, include iron, manganese, hardness, or hydrogen sulfide. Sample from a clean tap downstream of the pressure tank, follow lab instructions, keep bottles cold, and deliver promptly so results are comparable year to year and acceptable to lenders, buyers, and regulators.
Meter verification and data you can trust
Meters that are undersized, misinstalled, or overdue for calibration can skew records and create compliance questions later. Confirm straight-pipe runs, check for air entrainment, and log totalizer readings with dates. If a meter is out of range or failed, document the issue and how interim volumes were estimated. We can schedule winter calibration or recommend replacements sized to expected rates so reporting next fall is straightforward.
Reading results and deciding what to do next
Use this winter’s data to compare against last year’s baseline. Rising drawdown at the same flow may indicate screen fouling or declining source conditions. Persistent bacteria after proper disinfection points to a pathway problem at the wellhead or in plumbing. Increasing nitrate or arsenic calls for treatment planning. When results suggest structural or water-quality issues, our team can coordinate a licensed contractor for camera inspection, redevelopment, or treatment options and integrate findings into your 2026 planning.
Records that support permits, transfers, and transactions
Create a simple file for each well by well ID and water year. Include static and pumping levels, flow test data, meter totals, calibration notes, lab results, dated photos, and a one-page summary of findings. Consistent records shorten troubleshooting, help right-size future applications, and answer common questions from watermasters, districts, lenders, and buyers. We organize these materials to align with typical OWRD expectations so they are ready when you need them.
December action list
- Measure and log static water level for each production well
- Run a brief pump test and record discharge, drawdown, and recovery
- Verify meter operation, note calibration needs, and confirm installation details
- Collect targeted samples: coliform or E. coli, nitrate, arsenic as applicable, plus pH and conductivity
- Photograph wellheads, seals, vents, electrical controls, and any defects
- Schedule winter repairs, meter calibration, or instrumentation upgrades before spring demand
Planning ahead for spring start-up
Use January and February to complete any meter swaps, well rehab, or control upgrades identified in December. If a transfer, limited license, or new permit is on the horizon, we can translate your winter data into right-sized rate and volume estimates, map delivery, and prepare support materials so the application process starts on solid footing. Entering spring with verified meters, a clean wellhead, and current lab results reduces delays and keeps projects on schedule.