Access to reliable well water is a crucial challenge for many homeowners, particularly those dealing with low-producing wells. Kevin Epp, the founder of Epp Well Solutions, has dedicated his career to solving this issue with innovative, high-tech solutions. What started as a personal mission to help a family member struggling with inadequate well water has now grown into a nationwide business offering advanced well management systems.
In this exclusive interview, Kevin shares the journey behind Epp Well Solutions, explains how the Well Harvester™ is transforming water accessibility, and discusses the future of well water technology.
Can you share the story behind Epp Well Solutions? What inspired you to start the company?
Over a decade ago my father-in-law purchased a two-home property with the prior owner claiming that the well could produce plenty enough water. After they lived there for some time it was clear there was nowhere close to enough water with the well producing around 1/4 gallon per minute.
My father-in-law began to research options and solutions to this issue. The solution that was needed was clear, but at the time, there were no good or technologically advanced systems out there to solve this issue. He brought his expertise in industrial automation, and with my strong mechanical skills and knack for problem-solving, we teamed up for a multi-year adventure to tackle this challenge head-on, aiming to build the most advanced and effective solution for solving low production wells.
After much trial, error, and hard work, our low yield well system was completed. Now my father-in-law could operate 2 households on his low production well with no more worry that he will run out of water on a regular basis. Seeing how well this system operated and hearing how many others struggled with this same issue with no solution I decided to build a business to help as many people as possible solve this issue and to continue to improve our solution. The low yield well problem is one that so many across the nation and even the world struggle with, so it is rewarding to be able to provide such a great solution now.
Since starting the business we have been granted a couple of patents thanks to our system’s uniqueness, we named our system the Well Harvester™, expanded our reach to the whole United States, improved our Well Harvester in many ways, and have added other products to our line up to help with many other water issues.
What makes the Well Harvester™ different from other water well solutions on the market?
There are many ways the Well Harvester is different, but the main one is automation. Most other low yield well solutions are timer-based which means you set the length of time you want the well to run and then the amount of time you want it to rest. The issue is that water levels in the aquifer often change especially seasonally, so those timers need to always be adjusted.
Our Well Harvester is fully automated. It detects water levels in the well and automatically adjusts run times depending on water availability. No more adjusting timers or worrying about pumping the well dry anymore. This saves our customers time and gives them peace of mind.
Besides this, our system also comes with a touchscreen interface, a sleek and compact design, and a high-output built-in booster pump. There are many things that set our Well Harvester apart as the greatest low yield well solution ever created.
Could you explain how the Well Harvester™ technology works and how it helps prevent over-pumping?
As the water is pumped from the well into the Well Harvester’s tank it goes through a flow restrictor sized specifically for their well to sip the water from the well instead of gulp it. This creates back pressure in the line between the well and Well Harvester.
What is interesting is that as the water level down in the well goes down and gets closer and closer to the well pump the back pressure seen in that water line also decreases. Because of this relationship, the back pressure can be used as an indicator of what the water level is down in the well.
The Well Harvester has a pressure sensor to monitor the back pressure in this line. If it ever detects a low back pressure, indicating the water level in the well is low, the Well Harvester will shut down the well before it runs out of water and allow it to rest before trying again. This slows down the water drawn from the well and also leaves water down in the well. These are two key factors in keeping a well from being over-pumped and protecting the lifespan of the well pump.
This process repeats 24 hours a day to keep the Well Harvester tank(s) full at all times to provide plenty of water to the house or business.
What are some of the biggest challenges homeowners face when dealing with a low-producing well?
One of the biggest challenges homeowners face is not being able to do normal things such as taking showers, doing laundry, washing dishes, or watering animals and gardens. If their well easily runs out of water, they often need to space their water usage out very far from each other or forgo some altogether.
There is also a lot of stress that homeowners can face never knowing when and if their well is going to run out of water. If they hop in the shower will they have enough water for a short 2-5 minute shower? If they have guests over will they have enough water to supply the extra bathroom needs?
Another great challenge that homeowners face is a decrease in their home’s value. A home without an adequate water source is worth way less than it could be because of what that would mean for the homeowners.
Living with a low yield well used to mean heavy lifestyle changes, a decrease in home value, and stress. That has all been changed with the Well Harvester.
With increasing concerns about water shortages, do you believe well water harvesting technology will play a bigger role in future water management?
Absolutely! I often talk with folks who used to have plenty of water, but either due to increasing development near them or drought conditions in their area, they no longer have the water they need.
Well water harvesting technology is the answer to the ever-changing needs of homeowners and business owners water needs.
Your website mentions that your products are available nationwide. Do you have plans to expand internationally?
That is correct; our products are currently available across the entire United States. We have future plans to expand to Canada and beyond.
You offer financing options for your products. How important is affordability in ensuring people can access reliable water solutions?
Water is a necessity of life which makes our products a great investment. Sometimes though it is out of the budget of our customers. We don’t want that to bar our customers from solving their water issues, so we offer financing options through our partner. These plans can range anywhere from months up to 3 years with various no-interest or low-interest options.
We want to make solving our customer’s water issues as easy and attainable as possible. We are in the business of solving problems. That includes budget problems.
What’s next for Epp Well Solutions? Are there any new innovations or products in development?
Not only are we business people, but we are also innovators. There is always something in the works here at Epp Well Solutions. Whether it be solving a new water issue or further developing our products we are always working on something.
We take our customer’s feedback on our products very seriously and are always seeking to make our products more user-friendly, more functional, and better in every way. While I can’t publically say what exactly we have in the works currently, we have big things coming that will further revolutionize the water industry. So stay tuned.
From the editor…
Epp Well Solutions has emerged as a game-changer in the well water industry, bringing automation and efficiency to homeowners facing water shortages. Kevin Epp’s dedication to innovation and problem-solving has not only provided a lifeline for those with low-yield wells but has also set a new standard for sustainable water management.
With plans for further innovation and expansion, Epp Well Solutions is poised to continue leading the way in well water harvesting technology. For homeowners seeking a dependable water solution, the Well Harvester™ offers not just convenience but peace of mind.
You can follow up with Kevin Epp and Epp Well Solutions at https://eppwellsolutions.com and:
- Meta @eppwellsolutions
- Instagram @eppwellsolutions
- X @epp_well
