Hydraulics of Wells

Abstract

Groundwater is a vital resource in cultures and climates of all countries around the world. In the United States, for example, approximately half of the nation ’ s drinking water supply is derived from groundwater resources. Because of its relatively high quality and dependability, groundwater frequently is used for drinking water supply, and demand is expected to rise worldwide as populations expand and technologies progress to accommodate all current and anticipated future growth. Reasons for reliance on groundwater are many, including the ubiquity of groundwater reserves, its high quality, and the relatively low level of infrastructure required for storage and transmission. Groundwater, although reliable and readily accessed, is not free from costs and limitations, however. Aging wells and pumping equipment, as well as storage and transmission infrastructure, must be maintained to preserve the function of the well, as well as the quality of water produced. Well capacity and water quality also may be threatened by a variety of physical, chemical, biological, and environmental factors, such as pollution, overdraft, or dry periods, to name a few. Although lost capacity may be regained through renovation of equipment and well rehabilitation, sometimes it also may prove less costly and more advantageous to install new wells. Further, considering the expected energy shortages coupled with high maintenance and operational expenses, it may become prohibitively expensive to utilize this natural resource in the future. It is, therefore, necessary by all means to refi ne standard practices in the water well industry continually in order to improve current technology and to evolve cost-effective methodologies for the identifi cation, development, and procurement of groundwater resources in the future.