Question
Jeff,

I have installed a shallow well (9 feet) on my property to run my underground irrigation system. I used a 2" by 3' well point and 2" galvanized pipe. There is always 4 to 5 feet of water in the pipe. I have a new 1 1/2 horse electric pump with a timer. After I run the system for several hours the water quanity diminishes and the pump begins to suck some air. I thought that there might not be quit enough water to run my system so I installed a second point about 8 feet away from the first and connected the two with PVC piping. I still don't seem to have a adequate supply of water and the I can hear air in the system after it runs for several hours. I have taken the piping apart several times and each time I can hear hissing as I loosen the pipes and then I hear the water fall back toward the well points so I don't think there is any air leaks in the system.

I have a hunch that my points are clogging with fine sand and that I need to pound my well down deeper. I am afraid to do this because other peaple in the neigborhood tried this and found a layer of clay which made it impossible to pull the well back up without professional help which is a huge expense.

Do you thing I should just put up with what I have and flush out the points from time to time or should I try to go deeper and hope I hit suitable vain.

Answer
If other people have had problems with lowering the well, you probably will as well.  It sounds like you are pumping the water out faster than the well can recharge.  If there is a way you can reduce the output of your pump, I would try that first.  Cleaning the suction area is always a good idea too.