The water pressure in our home has been low for a week. The well pump seems to kick on and off at okay intervals and the pressure is much better while pump is running. The gauge reads 60psi and doesn't fluctuate so isn't reflecting cut in and out that the pressure switch seems to be detecting. The bladder tank reading is 49psi. We haven't checked the water filter, though we just changed it about a month ago.(3 micron with charcoal--don't usually use one with charcoal, but didn't have our usual type)

happy, healthy new year everyone and thank you for suggestions!

Turn off the pump and drain off water pressure. Remove the gauge and see if it drops to zero. If it doesn't, check the feed hole and see if it is blocked. Replace gauge if feed hole is open and gauge doesn't drop to zero. If gauge pressure drops when removed, check the nipple/fitting the gauge is attached to and see where the restriction is, that is trapping the pressure to the gauge. With the pump off and pressure drained off, the bladder pressure should be 2 psi less than the cut-in pressure. Once the gauge is responding as it should and bladder pressure set, check the cut-in and cut-out pressures for proper pressure switch function.

thank you, Steve. Does the gauge control the water pressure in the house? Or just show what it thinks is the reading?

The gauge just monitors the pressure. There's a pressure switch that controls the pump turning on and off. You need to have a functioning gauge before checking/adjusting the pressure switch.