Shallow Well Jet Pump works by an imbalance in air pressure, similar to the way that fluid is sucked up a straw. The pump is primed by being poured full of water. When engaged, the impellers in the pump spin, moving the water and air pockets through.

The air vents through the emergency cutoff valve to create an area of uninterrupted low pressure, which naturally pulls the groundwater upward. When the water reaches the jet, the narrowed pipe diameter acts to speed water flow all the way to the venturi, which may be some distance away.

When in the venturi, the increased pipe diameter causes the water to pool until so much water fills the pipe that it reaches a higher pressure. This pressure is the means by which water flows through the filtration system, hot water heater and out the various taps of the residence etc.