[lyndasouthard]

Hi, this is my first time here and hoping someone can help us or direct us in the right direction.
First off, we have owned our home 11 years and always had great water pressure, tasted good and was clear!
In the past year or so, we have been having issue's with muddy water every now and again, lowered pressure and we just noticed something around the well it self. We went out to the well, lifted the cover and noticed what appears to be cave in on the back side. The well itself at the top is surrounded in concrete. There is approx 12 in across the back side where the dirt used to meet the concrete that has either eroded or something. It is approx now 4-6 in below the concrete and you can actually see a large hole. You can push dirt up and into it. We began having dirty water (that typically lasts about 3 days) approx a year to year and a half ago. Then it clears up again. We have noticed lately, our water pressure has also decreased.
We have cleaned out the screens and added a water filter. From reading different information on this site and others, we are concerned we may have a real serious problem. Is it time to call a plumber? Or do I need to find someone that specializes in wells? We are first time homeowners and first time well owners. Please advise.
Note: we also went to the well, there is a box on top, when you put your hand on it, it feels like something is running. Is this normal? I have also noticed an increase in our power bill.

Thanks!!

[jlisenbe]

when you put your hand on it, it feels like something is running. Is this normal?

Wouldn't worry about that. It is probably just the pipe vibrating as the pump is running.

As for the cave-in, I'd call in a well pro on that one. With what sounds like the well caving in, you need someone on site to assess that.