RE: Flow rates27 Nov 2025 13:36
My tuppence worth….
Why non‑viability shows up faster
* Immediate underperformance: If the flow rate is well below the required threshold from the start, you’ll know quickly.
* System instability: Rapid fluctuations, clogging, or pressure drops are early warning signs.
* Operational limits: If pumps, pipes, or wells can’t maintain minimum flow, it’s evident without waiting the full 8 weeks.
Typical timelines
* 1–2 weeks: Often enough to see if the system is fundamentally flawed (e.g., can’t reach minimum flow).
* 4–8 weeks: Needed to confirm long‑term viability, seasonal variation, or gradual decline.
* Continuous monitoring: Even if a rate looks viable early, extended testing ensures reliability.
In short: you don’t need 8 weeks to know if a flow rate is not viable — problems usually reveal themselves within the first 1–2 weeks. But proving that a rate is viable takes longer, because stability over time is the key.