So I have been debating on adding Well Flow tests to my list of Ancillary Services. I have A LOT of wells in my area (heavy agriculture and VERY rural), so it would seems to make sense, BUT I have a few concerns…
Working through the well flow certification, and comparing it to what I have read makes me curious as to the time frame these tests should run. I believe that Jim Krumm stated that it is a 2 hour test (of actual water flowing), but my other research has stated 4-6 hours. Reading through past questions on here one guy stated 15 minutes (which seemed unrealistic to me). 2 hours seems a good time to get a good flow, and be able to make money (considering you could slip in a second job that day), especially going back and forth to check the drain field and the pump.
My other question is what kind of rates do these generally bring in? As I figure it, a 2 hour test (realistically 3-4 with basic research, set up, and tear down) should be priced around 300, but when I have tried looking for comparables online I continually find full well testing, which is not what I am going to be doing.
There is more to think about than setting a definite length of time that you will be running water during the well flow test.
How much water are you running throughout your home inspection and is that equal to or greater than the required minimum? If so there is no need to run out 300-400 gallons during your home inspection then turn around and do it again for your well inspection.
The minimum well system yield should be at least 150 gallons plus 50 gallons per bedroom. For example: A 4-bedroom home with a minimum required flow rate of 4 gpm would achieve minimum yield by having a well system that runs continuously for 87.5 minutes. Many wells run at a higher rate than 4 GPM which will greatly reduce the amount of time a well should be ran for. At 8 gallons per minute, minimum well yeild can be achieved in just under 44 minutes.
If you are testing service flow, full flow, etc… while the pump is running you will get a good number that is not going to waiver much running it for several hours.
As far as pricing, it is very dependent on your market. Here, I charge $120 but the entire test is completed in less than an hour.