Artesian Overflow Well

THP = (Q x H)/8.8

where: THP = theoretical horsepower

Q = flow rate in cubic feet per second (cfs)

H = head in feet

8.8 = a constant

1GPM = 0.002228 cfs

100PSI = approx. 221ft. head

So you have (0.002228 *50) = 0.114cfs

TPH = (0.114 x 221) /8.8 = 2.86295 TPH

So your total POTENTIAL HP available is 2.86HP

2.86 * 746W/HP =2.135kW of potential energy in that artesian well flow.

Subtract from that about 30-40% mechanical and electrical losses.

You can run a toaster.

If it has been flowing for as many years as described above, it has probably established a habitat for local wildlife. Precious as water is, we are not the only users.

Drew

What is the water temp? If its 52 degrees+/-, I would use it as the water source in a heat pump application. You could cool or heat the house for about 20% of the cost of doing the same with just electricity. All from water that is already flowing past the home. This is a great opportunity.

Flowing wells are usually a pain in the a$$ to deal with. As the owner of the well you become liable for the maintenance and operation of the well. In some jurisdictions you will require a permit to take water if it exceeds a certain quantity per day (50,000 L/D or 11000 gal/D are common). Where I live, the fact that the well is flowing does not exclude the present day liability for wells that started to flow after well construction has been completed even after 25 years.

1. If the well is flowing freely then you must install devices to prevent back flow or syphoning of the discharge back into the well.You cannot judge the point of discharge as a reference for back flowing because drawdowns in some areas are below the well discharge points. Laws are in place to govern or regulate such back flows to prevent aquifer contamination.

2. When the well was constructed (25 years ago in your case) you should have some assurance of proper well construction. The cement grouting of the annular space (the space between the bore hole and the casing) should be verified. Contact the authority for well records and obtain a copy. Talk to the original well drilling company and discuss the issue. Other well drillers may have experience in the area and should be consulted. If the annular space had not been sealed properly then the potential for leakage and ground subsidence is high if the flow is shut down. You may be required to shut the flow down to prevent aquifer loss. Ice can also be a substantial issue in some areas.

3. Check the water pressure at the top of the well head. If the casing had been sealed properly, you should be able to obtain the pressure by installing a gauge on a well seal that will shut the flow down. You can also convert the gauge pressure to obtain how high the flow will rise or the potentiometric surface (static level). You will need the information to determine H in JRaef's good answer above.

4. There are commercially manufactured devices to shut down well flows and to prevent back syphoning. You may need them and the services of a licensed driller to assist you in the control of this well. I repeat... your liability for this well continues as a new owner.

5. Maintaining a flowing well is difficult and biofouling is usually very high in such wells. Without getting too wordy you will need to disinfect this well regularly with solid chlorine or sodium percarbonate (a solid food grade hydrogen peroxide source) powder.

6. I would suggest the opinion and design from a good hydrogeologist familiar with flowing wells if you wish to use the well as a source of power. With appropriate battery storage the well is a good source of potential power. However, you may also be required to address the problems mentioned at some point.

IMHO