Notes from the Groundwater Guy by Thomas E. Ballard, P.G., C.H.G. Southeast Hydrogeology, PLLC The Art of Water Wells There has not been a good book on the construction of water wells since, in my mind, Groundwater and Wells Second Edition by Fletcher Driscoll. The Art of Water Wells by well-respected geologist Marvin Glotfelty changes that. This book was published in late 2019, by the National Ground Water Association, and represents the current state-of-the-art in water well design and construction. The book initially addresses all the nuances of the well site selection process for both alluvial and fractured rock wells, and presents the concept for a map and grid-based prioritization matrix for selecting well sites using a variety of criteria, then weighting them in accordance to their relative importance. The critical component of well design is covered in detail, including casing, screens, filter pack design, annular seals, and many other aspects of well design, including up-to-date standards on casing and screen materials, dielectric couplers, metallurgical considerations, and connection options. As an example, the book includes a detailed section on calculating the hydraulic pressure head, annular volume, well string weight and estimated buoyancy to avoid failure of the well construction due to “floating” of the well string. This is a topic that is not often addressed in typical well construction books, but an important one, nevertheless. Drilling methods are covered, though in not as much detail as in other drilling references. A detailed section on well installation oversight is, in my opinion, one of the most valuable sections in the book as it addresses some of the common points of failure or underperformance in a new well. This section includes information on pilot hole drilling and inspection, zone testing, construction materials inspection, well development, and post-construction well analysis. The book concludes with an excellent section on the economics of water wells, including life cycle analysis, that will be of most interest to geologists, engineers, and those involved with asset management of wells. Appendices include calculations and conversions, cement mix designs, steel casing specifications, plumbness and alignment standards, pilot hole analysis, and string weight changes during well installation. An extra bonus is the foldout “Water Supply Well Installation Flow Chart” included with the book. This flow chart details all the steps necessary for successful design and completion of a water supply well, and is a great checklist for even veteran geologists, engineers, and drilling professionals. The wealth of information here makes this book a valuable addition to the library of anyone involved with well design and construction, and I highly recommend it. Tom Tom Ballard may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com Atlantis Vault • Self-Contained • Simple installation • Trouble-free operation For more information call: (270) 786-3010 or visit us online: www.geothermalsupply.com 24 OCTOBER 2020 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Get Noticed! Don’t be invisible to potential customers. LetWWDR ’s Public Relations Professionals show you how to get the most for your advertising dollars! Call 850-547-0102 WTR
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