Water Well Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/465664
WCR, while providing a copy to the well owner. It is important to have a WCR be- cause ownership of the well may change (when the property is transferred). Many regulatory agencies require a WCR for their records as part of the permitting process. On request, many jurisdictions can provide the new well owner copies of previously filed WCRs. Many drillers retain copies of the WCR in their records. The new owner may also be able to obtain a copy from the drilling contractor for the well. Undocumented location for subsequently buried aban- doned wells may not be as easy to identify without incurring additional expenses. Information in the WCR can be valu- able for many purposes. For example, when repurposing the use of the well, regulators may permit a previously des- ignated agricultural well for use as a potable water source if the WCR shows the sealing data meets or is thicker than the required minimum. For wells that are to be permitted for potable uses, information from the WCR can be useful in developing well- head protection zones. WCRs are also useful in interpreting well performance and water quality. Environmental consultants and re- sponsible parties often use the informa- tion in the WCR and other recorded well data in environmental site assessments and characterization. In multi-layered aquifers, review of WCRs of improperly constructed older wells can help identify wells that may be leaking contamination from polluted zones into less polluted zones. Such wells may be reconfigured or properly abandoned so as to prevent further contamination. Ownership of a well may be individ- ual, but wells usually tap aquifers shared with others. WCRs from nearby wells can be valuable in selecting new well locations, designing the new well, and understanding expected well yield and water quality. Information in the WCRs of nearby wells and their water quality can be used to identify areas that could be sealed to avoid contaminated ground- water. Concerns regarding widespread nitrate contamination in groundwater have led California to provide an online interactive tool that will assess if well locations are close to other wells with nitrate concentrations above public health standards. Michael C. Alfieri, PG, P.Hg., CGWP, is a professionally licensed geologist in 13 states and a nationally certified/registered hydroge- ologist. He has more than 17 years of experi- ence and currently manages and oversees the operation of hydrogeologic services for Water Resource Associates Inc. in Tampa, Florida. He is the Chair for ASTM Committee D18.21.03 Well Design, Maintenance & Construction. Babs Maki nde, PE, D.WRE, is a professional licensed engineer in California. WWJ Get Valuable Resources in the NGWA Bookstore Along with the ANSI/NGWA-01-14 Water Well Construction Standard, the bookstore at www.NGWA.org features several other titles that can help you become a better groundwater professional. The Manual of Water Well Construction Practices and Groundwater & Wells, Third Edition are just two books that are ideal for those new to the industry or veterans wanting to review p ractices and skills. There are also best suggested practices on a variety of topics, cost calculators, and hundreds of texts. Visit the bookstore at www.NGWA.org today. The National Ground Water Research and Educational Foundation helps guide the course of groundwater — both the resource and the industry — with its educational, research, and other charitable activities. NGWREF helps support those making groundwater available to those in need of potable water both here and abroad . . . advancing groundwater science and knowledge . . . and educating future generations of groundwater professionals. Please help us continue this mission. Donate today. www.NGWA.org/NGWREF 800 551.7379 • 614 898.7791 Help guide the course of groundwater. Operated by NGWA, NGWREF is a 501(c)(3) public foundation. WWJ March 2015 35 Twitter @WaterWellJournl