Farm Water Well Management - Transcript

Watch the Farm Water Well Animation

Water Well Components
Well Construction
Wellhead Protection
Preventative Well Maintenance
Well Sealing and Decommissioning
Waterwell Deterioration

Glossary

Water Well Components

To successfully construct or maintain a well it is important to have a good understanding of it's components.

Let's learn about some water well components.

The well cap covers the top of the well casing with a tight seal and prevents contaminants, vermin and debris from entering your well. The cap also allows for venting, locking and easy access for well inspections.

The access tube is a plastic pipe or hose installed in the well. It is used for measuring water levels in the well. An access port built into the well cap allows easy access to the access tube.

The pitless adapter provides a watertight sanitary removable connection between the discharge line from the pump and the water pipeline to the house.

A safety rope is attached to the submersible pump and secured at the top of the well.

The electrical connections enable power to be supplied to the well pump. Conduit seals, cable ties, watertight splices and cable guards are components of the electrical connections.

The borehole is a hole that is drilled into the ground to allow for a well installation.

The casing is a solid pipe placed above the well intake area (i.e. perforated liner, well screen) which keeps the borehole open and houses the pumping equipment. It usually consists of plastic, steel or fibreglass.

The annulus is the space between the borehole and the well casing. This space must be sealed with impervious material such as cement or bentonite to prevent any surface contamination from migrating downward and contaminating underlying aquifers.

The check valve is located at the top of the pump to hold water in the tank and prevent backflow through the pump. It also helps to maintain a high pressure in the water supply line.

The pump is a machine capable of lifting, raising or moving water from a well or tank to a higher elevation or a distant location. A pump can create pressure and/or increase the velocity of water.

The well screen, also known as a perforated liner, allows water to enter the well casing while preventing aquifer materials from entering the well .

You have now explored every component of the well. You may continue to review them or go back to the farmyard.

Well Construction

Well construction can be quite complicated and requires much knowledge in this area. Please refer to the following website for the ""Water Wells that Last for Generations"" manual which contains information on how to construct a well: Water Wells that Last for Generations

Wellhead Protection

Wellhead protection means implementing practices that will protect the well and the surrounding area from contamination. It will also protect the structure of the well and ensure a safe, long-term water supply. There are six main components of wellhead protection for domestic rural wells.

What are the six main components?

The six primary components are:

1. Siting wells
2. Constructing wells properly
3. Keeping contaminants away from wells
4. Preventing backflow
5. Sealing abandoned/unused wells
6. Regular monitoring (or testing) and maintenance

More about these six components...

Siting a well means to find a suitable location to drill a well. When looking for an area to drill a well, avoid low lying areas. You must consider the placement of the well relative to several items found in your yard. These items are called setbacks because the well should be 'setback' a safe distance from these items.

A well should be setback from...

A well should be setback from:

• any building
• overhead/buried power lines
• road allowance
• septic holding tank and infiltration area
• manure storage and livestock pens
• fuel tanks
• cultivated fields
• chemical storage areas

How far away should they be?

The setback distances from a well depend on which province you live in, so you will want to find out what is required for your province. See the Well Sealing and Decommissioning module for links to the provincial regulation websites.

Constructing Wells Properly

The proper construction of a water well helps to prolong the life of a well and reduces the risk of groundwater contamination. There are several things that you can do to ensure that your well is constructed correctly.

What should be done?

Before any construction begins be sure to observe all recommended setback distances for your province so that you find a good location for your well.

What else should I do?

Before you hire a professional to drill your well, do a little research to ensure they have the necessary credentials and experience.

What else should I do?

Ensure that the driller will guarantee provincial regulation compliance, workmanship and materials used.

What else?

Once the well is completed, get the well completion details from the driller so that you understand how your well was constructed. For more details refer to the Well Construction module.

What else should I do?

Also, make sure that the well annulus is sealed. This is the area that is between the well casing and the wall of the hole that was drilled.

What else should I do?

Ensure the well casing is extended above ground and fitted with a secure, water-tight well cap, and that the area around the wellhead is mounded.

Anything else?

Finally, you will want to perform a pump test on a regular basis and also keep a construction record that includes when it was built and any modifications made to the well.

Contaminants

It is essential to keep contaminants away from your well to keep the water safe to use and drink. There are several common contaminants that can be found around a farmyard. Let's find out what they are.

What is one type of contaminant?

Chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers that are used in your yard can contaminate a well, so avoid using them near the well area. Also ensure that you keep their storage and mixing areas a safe distance away.

What is another contaminant?

You will also want to take extra care to keep a safe distance from the well area when using machinery that is spreading manure, chemicals, fertilizers, seeds or other possible contaminants.

What is another contaminant?

Household chemicals and medicines can also be sources of contamination. Ensure that you dispose of them properly by contacting your nearest chemical recycling agency.

What is another contaminant?

The improper storage of gasoline and oil can cause contamination. Store them away from the well in leak proof containers that cannot be broken. Be sure to dispose of unwanted oil properly, by contacting your nearest oil recycling agency.

What is another contaminant?

Some other contaminants are waste disposal pits, livestock burial pits, livestock pens, manure and household septic tanks. Be sure to keep all of these away from your well and water source.

Preventing Backflow

Another way to protect your well is to prevent backflow. Backflow occurs when contaminated water flows backwards through your plumbing into your well. There are several potential sources that can cause backflow.

What are some sources?

Some backflow sources are washing machines, laundry tubs, lawn irrigation, green houses, chemical containers and mixing tanks, livestock watering bowls, and water supply systems that use multiple sources.

How do I avoid backflow?

Proper maintenance including regular cleaning and inspections of the check valves can help prevent backflow from occurring. A check valve is a valve that has two openings and allows fluid to flow through in one direction only.

Sealing Unused Wells

Another way to protect your water source from contamination is to seal any abandoned or unused wells on your property.

Why should they be sealed?

If an abandoned well is not sealed properly, the casing can degrade with time and allow surface contaminants direct access to the groundwater. Old wells can also allow cross contamination between two different aquifers. For more information about abandoned wells visit the Water Well Sealing and Decommissioning Module.

Testing Well Water

It is important to regularly test the quality of water in the well. Some of the most common tests are for bacteria, nitrates, conductivity and metallic ions such as iron, manganese or arsenic.

When should I test the water?

You should test the water on a regular basis, however, there are also signs to watch out for that should alert you that conditions in the well have changed. If you notice any changes in the water you should test the well right away.

What are some of the signs?

Watch your tap water for changes in:

• cloudiness
• colour
• taste
• odour

What if I notice a change?

If you notice a change in water quality, inspect the wellhead area for:

• casing damage
• ground settlement
• animal activity
• change in land use practices

Is there any other reason to test?

Yes. Even with good siting and construction, a well may become flooded. If this happens, the well should be flushed, disinfected, and tested for contaminants before using it again.

In conclusion...

Now we know that it is important to act in advance to protect the wellhead. Carrying out the steps we just covered will help in numerous ways. It prevents contaminants from entering the water well supply, avoids having to use expensive treatments to fix problems that could have been prevented and it protects the investment in the drinking water supply.

Preventative Well Maintenance

A preventative well maintenance program can extend the working life of a water well and ensure that suitable water quality is as good as reasonably possible. Maintenance is the responsibility of the well owner and consists of regular inspections, monitoring, and scheduled treatments. Assistance with these preventative maintenance procedures can also be provided by specialists in the water well industry.

What can well owners do to maintain their well?

Regular inspections are one way to prevent your well from damage or contamination. Checking your well on a regular basis allows you to identify problems early, making it easier and less expensive to fix the problem. Regular maintenance also helps prevent more serious problems.

What should be checked regularly?

Check to ensure that the wellhead extends above the land surface and that the area around the well is sloped away to prevent water ponding near the well.

What else should be checked?

Secure and lock the well cap so that there are no holes or gaps where insects and rodents can enter. Also check for sources of contamination near the well (e.g. livestock manure, oil tanks, fertilizers and other chemicals, septic field).

What else should be checked?

Ensure the well vent screen is properly placed and secured.

What else should be checked?

Monitor water quality for changes which may indicate problems with the well installation or aquifer. Record any changes in turbidity, taste, odour and colour.

What else should be checked?

Check to ensure backflow devices are in place and functioning.

What else should be checked?

Remove the well cap and check the well.
Do a visual inspection of the inside of the well with a flashlight and keep a video log of your inspections so that you are able to easily recognize any changes.

What else can be done?

Besides regular inspections, the well owner can conduct other activities regularly to help prevent future problems in the well.

What should be done regularly?

Keep the area around the well clear by mowing or gravelling. Avoid chemical applications around the well.

What else should be done?

Seal any cracks or unused openings in the well casing and concrete pad surrounding the well.

What else should be done?

Remove the well pump for inspection and check for any slime or mineral build-up on the pump.

What else should be done?

Now that we know the kinds of things to check for to identify potential problems, let's find out what else can be done to keep your well in good working condition.

Regular Monitoring

Another way to keep your well in good shape is by monitoring it regularly. Regular monitoring consists of examining and recording the information about a particular item on a regular basis. This information is then compared to the previous record to see if there have been any changes.

What should be monitored regularly?

Measure and record the pumping and non-pumping water levels in the well. Record the pumping rate (e.g. 5 gpm).

What else should be monitored?

Calculate the drawdown (i.e. non-pumping water level minus the pumping water level) to determine if the well is becoming plugged. If the pumping rate is the same (e.g. 5 gpm) but there is an increase in the drawdown, it is an indication that the well screen may be starting to plug.

What else should be monitored?

Monitor the water chemistry on a regular basis and also conduct microbiological testing. Changes in water chemistry and positive tests for coliform bacteria are symptoms of well problems.

What else should be monitored?

Check the interior of the well for any unusual colorations and disturbances that may indicate deterioration. Record your findings so that on the next inspection you can compare the results and determine the status of the problem.

Now let's learn about records.

Now we know some of the things we should monitor and record so we can tell if there is a problem with our well. There are other kinds of information to help maintain water well performance and water quality.

Maintaining Records

Keeping detailed and accurate background information and maintenance records provide the information necessary to make informed decisions that will help to extend the operational life of the well.

What should be recorded?

There are many kinds of information that should be included in these records.

The following check lists will help you along.

Background information

1. Background data: driller's well log; well pump design
2. Non-pumping and pumping water levels
3. Results of well pumping tests
4. Well production rates
5. Water quality analysis
6. Results of well inspections
7. Repairs/replacement of well components
8. Scheduled maintenance
9. Location of adjacent wells/abandoned wells

Diagnostic Work

1. Gather well construction and background information
2. Measure the present static (non-pumping) and pumping water levels in the well
3. Evaluate any change in water levels, well yield or specific capacity over time
4. Sample water directly from the well for biological and chemical analysis
5. Evaluate any change in water chemistry or biological activity over time
6. Document all well treatments

Optional Procedures

1. Inspect for scale or slime deposits on the pump
2. Video/camera log the well casing and screen
3. Pump test the well to establish a well performance baseline prior to treatment
4. Check the pump motor
5. Inspect the pump wiring

Well Maintenance Check List

Now that we know what to monitor and what type of information to record, let's look at some preventative treatments for the well.

Shock Treatment

It is important to schedule regular shock chlorination treatments for the well and plumbing to minimize the impact of microbiological fouling, since we already know that the microbiological fouling can affect both the well yield and water quality.

What is shock chlorination?

Shock chlorinating a well involves preparing a solution of chlorine and water and then siphoning or pumping the chlorine solution down the well. This process is used to eliminate or control the population of bacteria in a water well.

How often is a shock needed?

Most wells require shock chlorination at least once a year, but some may need it more often. How often it is required depends on the water chemistry, well construction and operation, and the surrounding well environment.

Can shock chlorination hurt the well?

If it is applied properly, shock chlorination has no detrimental effects on a well.

Rehabilitation

Regular well maintenance will slow the onset of most well problems. However, if problems develop, monitoring and record keeping will provide the information necessary to identify the cause of the problem and choose the most effective treatment.

Can I rehabilitate my own well?

While various means of chemical and mechanical rehabilitations are available, implementing these measures requires the services of an experienced well drilling or servicing company.

How do you know if a well can be fixed?

Sometimes a well can deteriorate to the point where it can no longer be fixed. If you can provide the professional with enough background information, they should be able to evaluate the likelihood of a successful rehabilitation.

When should I rehabilitate the well?

You should rehabilitate your well before there is a serious loss in well yield or deterioration in water quality. Biofilms and chemical scale are easier to remove when they are young and soft rather than old and hard.

How do I know if it's been fixed?

Be sure to evaluate the well yield and water quality both before and after the treatment, this will give you an indication of how successful the rehabilitation was.

Now you know about rehabilitation.

Remember proper maintenance, like home or car maintenance, can prolong the life of your well. If you cannot maintain your own well, a contractor can be hired to do so.

Well Sealing and Decommissioning

Decommissioning a well, or sealing it, is to fill a well with the proper material in order to avoid groundwater contamination. A well should be sealed if it is no longer possible or probable that it will ever be used as a water supply. Any well that has been unused for more than a year is a potential candidate for sealing.

Why should unused wells be properly sealed?

If not properly filled with impermeable material, an unused well can act as a direct pipeline for contaminated water from the surface to enter the groundwater below.

How does that happen?

Contaminated surface water from spring run-off or flood events can enter a well directly through the top of the casing if the well does not have a protective lid and if the casing does not extend high enough above the ground surface. Open wells can also offer tempting disposal sites for liquid or solid wastes.

What are the potential problems with open wells?

Undesirable surface water that enters the well directly through the top of the casing bypasses the purifying action that normally takes place in the upper layers of the soil. Contaminants that enter unused wells can move to nearby active wells.

Why else should a well be sealed?

Large diameter water wells that are no longer in use are a significant physical safety hazard. Humans or animals can fall down a well that does not have adequate surface protection.

What if I can't see any hazards?

Not all hazards are visible from the surface. Depending on the age and construction of the well, there may be unsealed spaces between the outside of the casing and the original drill hole (annulus) that can allow undesirable surface water to seep down alongside the casing into the aquifer.

What is another potential problem?

An old well may have a rusted-out casing below ground which can allow surface contaminants from septic systems, barnyards or fuel tanks to be carried by shallow groundwater into the well.

What is required when sealing a well?

The requirements for well sealing in Canada depend on which province you live in. There are differences between each of the provinces and territories as to the regulations and policies that deal with inactive water wells and the appropriate way of decommissioning them.

How do you find out what is required?

There are agencies in each province that can provide technical guidance on proper well sealing techniques and procedures.
Click on your province to find the contact information to an agency to learn what the regulations are for your province.

What is the first thing to be done?

There is a certain amount of preparation to be completed before the sealing requirements for a well can be properly assessed. Doing a bit of research before contacting an agency can help speed up the process of assessing it. Make notes of your findings.

What are the next steps?

Measure the well to figure out both the depth (height) and diameter (width) of the well and the casing (if any).

Find out what the water level or range of water levels in the well are by testing it as recommended in the Preventative Well Maintenance section. Also note if the well has ever flowed.

Check to see if there are any obstructions in the well, including old pumps and plumbing.

Find out if there are any history and construction records of the well from the driller, a prior landowner, family or neighbours.

Lastly, does the well pass through any other water bearing formations?
For example, is it deeper than other nearby wells?

Well Maintenance Check List

Well Sealing Preparation

There is a certain amount of preparation that must be completed before the sealing requirements for a well can be properly assessed. Doing a bit of research before contacting an agency can help speed up the process of assessing it. Determine the answers to as many of these questions as possible and make notes of your findings.

1. Measure the well to figure out both the depth (height) and diameter (width) of the well and the casing (if any).
2. Determine if the well has ever been modified or reconstructed.
3. Determine what the water level or range of water levels in the well are by measuring it as recommended in the Preventative Well Maintenance section. Also make a note if the well has ever flowed.
4. Check if there are any obstructions in the well, including old pumps and plumbing.
5. Determine if the well has ever been contaminated.
6. Determine if there are any well records, including any oral recollections by well owner or neighbours?
7. Does the well intercept any other water bearing formations?

For example, is it deeper than other nearby wells?

Once you have answered as many of these questions as possible, you will be able to determine the best way to proceed with the well sealing. The answers to these questions also allow technical experts in your province to determine the best method for proper well sealing.

Well Sealing

There are many different types of wells which require specific procedures for sealing.

Some of these well types are:

Artesian or flowing wells.
Wells with known contamination.
Wells with obstructions or a collapsed casing.
Wells that intercept more than one water-bearing unit.
Wells that are greater than 30 meters in depth.

If your well has any of these characteristics you may encounter problems when trying to seal it. We recommend that you contact an agency to assist you with the decommissioning of the well.

What is the main reason for well decommissioning?

When decommissioning a well, the intent is to fill and seal the well in a manner that will prevent the vertical movement of water within the well column and prevent any movement of contaminants into surrounding aquifers.

How do I ensure it is sealed correctly?

Requirements for well decommissioning vary from province to province. It is generally recommended that an experienced water well driller be hired to complete the well decommissioning process.

What is the first step when filling a well?

One of the first steps is to check to see if the well is clear to the bottom. The well should be disinfected with a chlorine solution and cleaned or flushed. Some provinces require the surface casing to be removed (or pulled) which would require the use of a drilling rig.

Which materials are used to seal a well?

Materials that are used to seal a well must be impervious. Sand and gravel are not acceptable materials because water can easily move through them. Bentonite grout is one of the most common materials used to seal wells.

How is bentonite grout used?

Bentonite grout or cement (no aggregate) can be mixed as a slurry and pumped into the well. The slurry should be introduced at the bottom of the well with the use of a tremie pipe and the well should be filled progressively upwards. A tremie pipe is a small diameter pipe placed inside the well casing and used to carry material to the bottom of the well.

Why is it important to fill it this way?

Pouring or dumping the materials into the well from the top or through a tremie pipe that is not long enough could cause the material to become diluted or bridged in the well part way down. If dilution occurs, the fill material will not be impermeable. If bridging occurs, the well will only be partially filled.

Is bentonite the only suitable material?

Another material that is used to prevent vertical movement of water consists of small, coated bentonite pellets or ""chips."" The pellets are designed and manufactured for the purpose of being introduced into the well from the ground surface.

How do the pellets work?

When poured slowly into the well, they reach the bottom before swelling and closing off the hole. If poured too quickly, bridging can occur some distance above the bottom of the hole.

Can any well be sealed this way?

Generally, it is possible to seal most large diameter wells (those that were originally completed by excavation or auger) with locally available materials and equipment.

Can it be done without help?

Many large diameter wells and small diameter wells of less than 30 m in depth can be sealed by the well owner, however, the proper sealing materials and techniques are subject to provincial regulations.
There are financial and technical advantages for arranging to have a number of wells sealed within an area. These initiatives are usually coordinated through local municipalities and non-government agencies.

Water Well Deterioration

All wells can lose capacity over time due to natural or induced processes. These processes can be prevented or controlled through regular monitoring and scheduled preventative treatments. Understanding the processes is important when diagnosing well problems.

Let's learn about the symptoms of well deterioration.

Symptoms

Well deterioration can affect both the quality and quantity of water produced from a well, and is generally caused by biological activity, mineral accumulation/chemical encrustation, physical plugging or a combination of these processes.

Let's learn about the symptoms.

A loss of production, due to increased drawdown (lower water level in the well during pumping) is one symptom. What's another symptom?

Changes in water quality is another symptom of water well deterioration. What's another symptom?

Another symptom of well deterioration is an increase in the amount of dangerous bacteria in your water. What's another symptom?

Unusual or pungent odors coming from your water can also a symptom of well deterioration. Now, let's learn about the causes.
Now that we know how to diagnose the presence of well deterioration, let's take a closer look at the issues that cause the symptoms: physical plugging, mineral accumulation, and bacteria.

Physical Plugging

Physical plugging occurs when fine grained aquifer materials are drawn to the well and accumulate in the area around the well screen. What are the causes? Well screen. Aquifer.

Overpumping can cause plugging. When the pump runs too often, it sucks dirt particles towards the screen and water is unable to get through. What's another cause?

If the well is not made correctly, sand will enter the well and get sucked into the pump causing it to plug. What's another cause?
A pump not running properly can also be the cause of it becoming plugged. Here the intake has become plugged. What's another cause?

If the pump runs too often, the water cannot replenish itself fast enough causing the pump to work improperly. What's another cause?

When the well screen corrodes, or rusts, it makes the holes smaller and does not allow enough water to enter the well. Let's learn about another cause.

When a well becomes plugged the easiest way to try fixing the problem is to slow the drawdown rate and slow the pumping rate. If this does not work then it may be necessary for a person to physically unplug it and then fix anything on the pump that may be broken.

Mineral Accumulation

Well screens and pumps can also become plugged due to mineral accumulation, encrustation and scaling. There are several factors that can cause this kind of plugging. Let's learn about Mineral Accumulation

When there become more dissolved minerals in the water than usual, they can clog up the screen. What's another factor?
When the water level drops too low, it can cause aeration (air entering the holes) at the well screen. What's another factor?
When water is flowing faster than normal, the force can cause minerals to build up on the screen. What's another factor?
Water can contain gasses that can cause mineral build up. These gasses are similar to bubbles in a soda. What's another factor?

Build up can also occur when there is a change in the amount of chemicals that are in the water. What's another factor?
An increase in iron causes build up because when iron minerals join with the oxygen chemical, they swell. What's another cause?

Now that we know how mineral accumulation, encrustation and scaling can be harmful to a well, lets find out what else can damage a well and its pump.

Bacteria

Activities associated with natural groundwater bacteria can cause or accellerate well plugging and can affect water quality. This biological activity is called biofouling. Biofouling occurs when three steps, or chemical reactions, happen in the well. Let's learn about bacteria and biofouling.

The first step is the colonization of bacteria on surfaces in and around the well screen. What's the next step?

The bacteria make slime, or biofilm, which accumulates on the well screen. What's the final step?

As the amount of slime grows, soil and mineral particles get trapped within the slime causing the screen to clog. What are some signs of biofouling?

Biofouling has occurred if there is a higher than normal amount of bacteria and increased drawdown. What's another sign of biofouling?

If there are strange odors in the water, it could be a sign that biofouling has occurred. What's another sign of biofouling?

A change of colour of the water in the well may also suggest that the well is biofouled. What's another sign of biofouling?

A buildup of slime on the pump and the drop line is another sign of biofouling. Now you know about biofouling.

The best way to prevent biofouling is to take care of your well on a regular basis. If a problem does develop, there are certain procedures that can be used to figure out what exactly the problem is and help you figure out the best way to fix it. Visit the Preventative Well Maintenance to find out more.

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Glossary of Terms

Annulus- the open space between the casing and the side of a well.

Artesian or flowing wells - a well that has a static water level above the surface of the ground, causing the well to flow.

Aquifer - an underground layer of porous, saturated soil or rock that is capable of yielding a useful supply of water.

Bentonite - a swelling clay made up of the mineral sodium montmorillonite, a hydrated aluminium silicate

Biofouling - the gradual accumulation of waterborne organisms (as bacteria and protozoa) on the surfaces of engineering structures in water that contributes to corrosion of the structures and to a decrease in the efficiency of moving parts

Bridge - an obstruction in the drill hole or annulus.

Conductivity - estimates the amount of total dissolved salts (TDS), or the total amount of dissolved ions in the water by measuring the flow of electrical current throught the water

Coliform - a common group of bacteria found in animal wastes, surface soils and vegetation whose presence in well water can indicate water contamination

Contamination - the degradation of natural water quality as a result of human activities.

Decommission - to remove a well from service

Discharge - the flow of surface water in a stream or ditch or the flow of groundwater from a spring or flowing artesian well

Disinfection - the process of eliminating nearly all disease-causing organisms from water

Drawdown - The distance between the static water level and the surface of the area of influence of a well

Groundwater table - depth at which all the pores are saturated

Groundwater - water beneath the surface of the earth in the pores and fractures of sand, gravel, and rock formations

Grout - a material such as bentonite, mixed with water to form a watertight barrier, used to fill and seal the annular space.

Impermeable - not permitting passage of a fluid through rock, sediment or soil.

Oxidation - the combining of an element with oxygen

Recharge - replenishment of the groundwater by the addition of water

Runoff - thatpart of precipitation flowing to surface streams

Shock chlorination - involves adding a large amount of chlorine to the water in the well and pumping it through the system; the chlorinated water is left in the system long enough to ensure complete disinfection

Slurry - a thin mixture of liquid, especially water, and any of several finely divided substances such as bentonite, cement or clay particles

Submersible pump - a centrifugal pump which is run by an electric motor and operates while submerged under water

Surface water - water located on the surface of the earth in the form of ponds, stream, rivers and lakes.

Total dissolved solids - the sum of the weights of all mineral compounds dissolved in a specific volume of water

Tremie pipe - small diameter pipe placed inside the well casing and used to carry material to the bottom of the well. Tremie pipes prevent bridging of materials and the diluting of liquid grouts.

Turbidity - a measure of the light-scattering effect of small particles suspended in water

Water quality - the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of water with respect to its suitability for a specific use.

Text summary for front page:

Well Construction: Learn how to properly construct a well by visiting the following website.

Water Wells that Last for Generations

Water Well Components:
Learn about the main components of a water well.

Wellhead Protection: Learn about the practices that will protect your well: siting, construction, contaminants, backflow, sealing and testing.

Preventative Well Maintenance: Learn how to conduct well inspections, and how to monitor, treat and rehabilitate your well.

Water Well Deterioration: Learn about the processes and symptoms of well deterioration and how to prevent this from happening to your well.

Well Sealing and Decommissioning: Learn when and why it is necessary to seal a well, the requirements, preparation and process for decommissioning.