Abstract: A shroud which surrounds a submersible pump is lowered into a water well along with a column pipe which carries the pump. The pump is located below the top of a screen which provides a perforated portion of the well casing. The shroud has an open bottom end located below the pump. An inflatable bladder attached to the shroud can be inflated through an inflation hose extending to the surface. The shroud may be connected with the column pipe by radial arms which maintain an open flow path between the column pipe and shroud. Water which falls in the casing when the pumping level drops below the top of the screen is not subject to aeration from the surface because of the seal provided by the bladder. The shroud around the pump creates a vacuum effect which increases the well capacity.