What should be the first step if a well is not producing water?

The first step in addressing a well that is not producing water is to check for pump malfunction or blockage. This is because the pump is the mechanical component responsible for drawing water from the well and delivering it to the surface. If the pump is not functioning properly due to mechanical failure, electrical issues, or a blockage in the system, it will not be able to operate effectively, leading to the well appearing as if it has run dry.

By starting with this step, you can quickly determine if the problem lies with the pump or its components. If the pump is found to be intact and functional after inspection, then you can move on to other potential causes, such as evaluating the well's water level or the geological factors contributing to its output. This approach helps isolate the problem efficiently, potentially preventing unnecessary additional costs and efforts such as drilling a new well or increasing pump speed when the root issue may be something much simpler to resolve.