There are over 20,000 groundwater monitoring wells in the US. Its network consists of federal, state, and local sites. Curious about the purpose of a monitoring well?
It has to do with the water that flows through the taps of approximately 145 million Americans. This water comes from a groundwater source. Although it’s usually safe, contamination is possible.
This can occur naturally or due to human activities. Contamination is often caused by improper waste removal. Fertilizers or environmental chemicals like radon can also be another source.
Monitoring wells help determine if there’s contamination or germs present. But they also do a lot more. Read on to find out.
What is a Monitoring Well?
A monitoring well is a structure drilled into the ground. Depending on their use, they can range from two to 10 inches in diameter.
A well usually consists of several components. These include weight, diffusion sampler, and well casing.
Monitoring Well Design
The weight keeps the diffusion sampler in place while the casing protects it. Most of the casing goes into a drilled hole in the ground. A well cap covers the few inches that protrude above the ground.
A concrete pad at the surface keeps the structure in place. Installation requires specific expertise as there are several intricate steps involved.
How Monitoring Wells Work
An expert will also be able to determine the type of well to install based on your needs. Groundwater flows into the well in various ways, depending on the type of well used. Some allow water to flow through the base, while water seeps through all sides of the well with others.
The Purpose of a Monitoring Well
A monitoring well can do several things, but its primary purpose is to analyze groundwater. This includes monitoring water quality, level, and volume.
Experts also monitor groundwater data from samples collected from the well. Samples are usually collected to test for contamination or ecosystem analysis.
This can help to determine better water use. Specific measures may also be necessary to reduce contamination. This is crucial to ensure drinking water from groundwater sources is safe.
Benefits of Well Monitoring
Safer drinking water is one of the many benefits of well monitoring. Monitoring wells help with water testing.
It facilitates the timely detection of contaminants. This makes removal possible before the water reaches the end user.
The well can also monitor water in a specific area. This facilitates tracking the effects of seasonal changes and precipitation. This can also determine if there are any consequences resulting from water extraction.
Well monitoring can also track water level changes over time in an area. This usually requires multiple wells that help map out the water table.
This not only tracks water use, but it can also determine more suitable extraction rates if one source is being overused.
Safeguarding Your Future and Community
You now have a more precise idea of the purpose of a monitoring well. It’s a structure that can provide so many benefits and keep your family safe.
Ninety-nine percent of the freshwater on earth is groundwater. It is the main water source for many communities.
This makes water quality monitoring even more crucial. It will also help to ensure there’s enough for everyone.
Monitoring wells can help do this. If you’re interested in installing groundwater monitoring wells, hire the best.
All American Environmental is an experienced full-service environmental company. We can provide you with customized solutions at an affordable cost. Contact us to learn more!
Our services regarding monitoring wells are in the New Jersey counties of Morris, Bergen, Passaic. Warren, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Monmouth, Mercer, Middlesex, Ocean, Somerset, Union, and Sussex County.
