Groundwater monitoring wells (sometimes called boreholes, or observation wells) are small purpose-built holes put into the ground so experts can measure groundwater levels and sample water quality. They are some of the most vital in terms of investigations into suspected contamination – if you work out what is happening belowground and why, it provides a better chance for remediation later on.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What a monitoring well is
They are particularly narrow pipes that have been inserted into a drilled hole known as monitoring well. Part of the pipe is “screened” (it has slots); these allow water into the well. The remainder of the tube is then stoppered to prevent surface water or shallow soils from entering.
What they’re used for
It tells you which way the water is going to flow in groundwaters. Is it contaminated? Some samples are analysed for contaminants (e. g hydrocarbons, solvents, metals , and PFAS) back at a laboratory.
Serial sampling to determine whether contamination is persistent, increasing or decreasing still after remediation.
Why they matter
Regulators and developers, therefore take groundwater contamination more seriously because it can move the contaminants off-site. Without monitoring wells, you’re guessing. Using those models, you can map a contamination “plume,” evaluate risk to neighbouring receptors (such as rivers, basements or water supplies), and select the most appropriate remediation strategy for that site. For Groundwater Remediation, visit //soilfix.co.uk/services/groundwater-remediation
A common misconception
You often have to locate wells at several locations (and sometimes different depths) in order understand that flow and spreading.
Essentially, monitoring wells take an invisible problem and turn it into quantifiable evidence – which is what allows good decisions to be made!