TL;DR
Plan an ag well around three pillars: a water right sized for your crop demand, three-phase power or a generator at the wellhead, and a pump and casing sized for your irrigation system. Skipping any one of these stalls the project for months.
Summary
A complete guide for farmers and ranchers planning irrigation wells. From water rights to pump sizing, here's everything you need to know.
How to Prepare for an Agricultural Irrigation Well
- Confirm or transfer the water right. Verify the water right covers your acreage and crop demand, or file a change application to move the point of diversion to the well location.
- Size the well to the irrigation system. Match casing diameter and target yield (GPM) to the pivot, drip, or flood system you plan to run.
- Plan power to the wellhead. Coordinate with the local utility for three-phase service, or budget for a diesel generator and fuel storage.
- Choose the right pump and column. Select a turbine or submersible pump matched to depth, drawdown, and pressure requirements.
- Schedule drilling for the off season. Drill in fall or early spring so the well, pump, and electrical are commissioned before peak irrigation demand.