Drought and Water Stress

Drought is no longer an occasional variable — it has become a regular condition that agricultural and industrial systems must face every summer. The issue is not just the scarcity of water, but the impact it has on the core of the system: the submersible pump.
When the water table in a well drops — often without visible symptoms — the submersible pump undergoes mechanical and thermal stress. Energy consumption increases, start-up cycles become more frequent, flow rate decreases, and in the worst cases, the system shuts down.

After over 20 years of working alongside technicians, installers, and maintenance professionals, at FB we are certain of one thing: drought cannot be avoided, but its consequences can be managed intelligently. With the right approach, it's possible to protect the submersible pump, reduce consumption, and ensure continuous operation.

Detecting water stress signals early​

Identifying early signs of system strain is essential to prevent critical conditions — such as dry running — that could permanently damage the submersible pump.
Key indicators of water stress include:
• pressure drop,
• reduced flow rate,
• increased start-up frequency,
• acoustic or vibrational anomalies,
• unusual rise in electrical consumption.

If not properly monitored and managed, these signs lead to a progressive decline in performance, negatively affecting energy efficiency and operational life.
The following sections outline the most effective strategies for timely intervention and service continuity even in critical water conditions.

Preventing dry running: act before damage occurs​

In case of water table decline, submersible pump operation must be stopped before it's too late. A submersible pump should never run with partial or no water — air-water conditions must be avoided.

To prevent dry running, the electrical panel must be equipped with:
• level probes for constant monitoring of the water table,
• electronic or electromechanical protections to automatically shut down the submersible pump before water runs out.

A submersible pump that stops safely avoids overheating, damage, unexpected shutdowns, and costly repairs.

Ensuring a steady flow with reduced-flow valves and nozzles​ 

When water is scarce, overloading the system is counterproductive.
Excessive flow during water stress triggers frequent on/off cycles, strains the motor, and increases the risk of failure.
The solution is to stabilize the flow by reducing output and distributing water more evenly and in line with well capacity.
Installing adjustable valves or reduced-flow nozzles enables precise control, reducing consumption and extending system lifespan.

Choosing submersible pumps designed to withstand water stress  

As drought and water stress become recurring — rather than exceptional — conditions, system design must evolve to prioritize continuity, efficiency, and reliability.
Submersible pump selection can no longer rely on standard parameters. What’s needed is an engineered solution built to withstand severe thermal and mechanical conditions while maintaining stable performance in fluctuating water tables.

In this context, FBSX submersible pumps, made entirely of precision-cast stainless steel, offer a cutting-edge technical solution. Key benefits include:
• high resistance to corrosion and abrasion,
• consistent energy efficiency even under reduced or irregular flow conditions.

Using technologies specifically designed for critical scenarios allows not only for lower operational costs but also protects the entire system from downtime and long-term damage.
Now more than ever, rethinking your submersible pump means investing in sustainable, forward-thinking system management.