Determining when to stop a well so that the water in transit will fill the remaining levee area requires experience. This depends on field size, soil type and well capacity. Table 1 can be used as a guide. If the pumping rate is near the recommended minimum, the water should be 90 percent down the field before the well is turned off. When the pumping rate is near the desired value, you can typically turn the well off when the water is 70 to 80 percent down the field.
Electric companies offer a variety of rate structures that are suited to particular situations.
Visiting with your electric company representative to determine the best rate structure is worthwhile. Table 1 can be used as a guide to determine if enough pumping capacity exists to take advantage of this option. It is best to determine the most economical operating speed and run the unit at this setting whenever possible. Other factors, such as desired pump speed and load on the power unit, must be considered. This information can be determined from pump and power unit performance specifications available through irrigation equipment dealers.