Signs Your Bore Is Running Dry
If your garden isn’t getting the water it used to, or your irrigation system has started acting up, you might be wondering whether your bore is running dry.
The reality is, most bores don’t suddenly “run dry” overnight. Instead, they begin to show early warning signs of underperformance—and catching these early can save you from more serious issues down the track.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common signs your bore is running dry, what causes them, and what you should do next.
What Does It Mean When a Bore Runs Dry?
When people talk about a bore “running dry”, they’re usually referring to one of two things:
A temporary drop in water levels
A long-term decline in groundwater availability
It’s important to understand that these are very different scenarios.
Temporary vs Permanent Issues
In many parts of the South West of WA, groundwater levels fluctuate naturally throughout the year. During summer, increased usage combined with lower rainfall can cause temporary drawdown.
However, a bore can also underperform due to:
mechanical issues (e.g. pump problems)
blockages or sediment build-up
incorrect pump placement
This is why identifying the root cause is critical before assuming the bore itself has failed.
According to the Government of Western Australia, groundwater systems across the region are influenced by both climate conditions and local usage patterns, meaning performance can vary over time.
Common Signs Your Bore May Be Running Dry
Recognising the signs your bore is running dry early can help prevent damage to your system and avoid costly repairs.
Reduced Water Pressure
One of the first signs is a noticeable drop in pressure.
sprinklers don’t reach as far
irrigation coverage becomes uneven
flow feels weaker than usual
Intermittent or Sputtering Flow
If your system starts delivering water in bursts, this can indicate:
falling water levels
pump struggling to maintain supply
Air in the System
Air entering the system is a key warning sign.
You may notice:
spluttering taps or sprinklers
inconsistent flow
This often happens when the pump begins drawing air due to low water levels.
Pump Running but No Water
If the pump is operating but no water is coming through, it could mean:
the water level has dropped below the pump intake
the bore is not producing sufficient yield
Increased Sand or Sediment
A sudden increase in sand or debris can indicate:
the bore is drawing from lower or unstable zones
the screen or production zone is compromised
These symptoms don’t always mean your bore is completely dry—but they are strong indicators that something isn’t right.
Seasonal vs Long-Term Groundwater Changes
In Western Australia, particularly in the South West, groundwater levels are heavily influenced by seasonal conditions.
Summer Drawdown
During summer:
rainfall is minimal
irrigation demand increases
groundwater levels drop
This is known as seasonal drawdown, and it’s relatively normal.
Winter Recharge
In winter:
rainfall replenishes aquifers
groundwater levels recover
This recharge cycle is essential for maintaining long-term water availability.
The Bureau of Meteorology provides groundwater monitoring data showing how water levels fluctuate across regions depending on rainfall and usage.
Why This Matters
Understanding this cycle helps distinguish between:
temporary performance issues (seasonal)
ongoing decline (structural or environmental)
If your bore struggles only during peak summer, it may still be functioning normally.
What Causes a Bore to Run Dry?
There are several reasons why you might notice the signs your bore is running dry.
Overuse or Increased Demand
Higher water usage—especially during hot months—can exceed the bore’s natural recharge rate.
Declining Groundwater Levels
Long-term changes in rainfall or increased regional extraction can reduce groundwater availability.
Poor Bore Construction
Older or poorly constructed bores may:
not access the optimal water-bearing zone
suffer from structural issues over time
Incorrect Pump Depth
If the pump is set too high:
it may not reach the available water
performance can drop significantly
Nearby Groundwater Extraction
Other nearby bores or developments can impact local groundwater levels, particularly in densely populated areas.
Screen or Production Zone Blockage
Over time, bores can experience:
clogging
mineral build-up
sediment accumulation
This reduces water flow and overall performance.
Can a Bore Recover?
In many cases, yes—a bore can recover.
Natural Recharge
If the issue is seasonal, groundwater levels often improve after winter rainfall.
This is especially true in areas west of the Darling Scarp, where aquifers are more responsive to rainfall recharge.
When Recovery Is Likely
Recovery is more likely when:
the bore has historically performed well
the issue coincides with seasonal changes
there are no mechanical faults
When Intervention Is Needed
If the bore continues to underperform, it may require:
redevelopment (cleaning and restoring flow)
pump adjustments
deepening or modification
What to Do If Your Bore Is Running Dry
If you’re noticing the signs your bore is running dry, taking the right steps early can prevent further damage.
1. Reduce or Stop Usage
Running a bore dry can damage the pump.
If performance drops significantly:
turn off the system
avoid continuous operation
2. Check the Pump and System
Sometimes the issue is mechanical rather than groundwater-related.
Check for:
electrical faults
pump wear
blocked filters
3. Arrange a Professional Assessment
A proper inspection can determine:
actual water levels
bore yield
system performance
This is the most reliable way to identify the cause.
For general guidance on bore water systems and quality, the HealthyWA provides useful information on how bore water behaves and what affects it.
How Australind WBC Can Help
Diagnosing bore issues requires local knowledge and the right tools.
Australind WBC provides:
Bore Inspections and Diagnostics
They assess:
groundwater levels
bore condition
system performance
Bore Redevelopment and Cleaning
If the issue is blockage or reduced flow, redevelopment can:
restore water movement
improve yield
Pump Adjustments and Optimisation
Correcting pump depth or replacing equipment can significantly improve performance.
Deepening or Modifying Bores
In some cases, accessing a deeper water-bearing zone may be the best solution.
Local Groundwater Expertise
With extensive experience across the South West, Australind WBC understands:
regional aquifers
seasonal behaviour
what works in each location
Final Summary
Recognising the signs your bore is running dry early is key to avoiding major issues.
Common warning signs include:
reduced pressure
inconsistent flow
air in the system
pump running without water
increased sediment
In many cases, these issues are caused by seasonal changes or system inefficiencies, not a completely dry bore.
The most important step is identifying the cause early—whether it’s groundwater levels, pump setup or bore condition.
If your bore isn’t performing as it should, a professional assessment can help determine the best path forward and restore reliable water flow.