Water Well Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/573697
I 've written occasionally about water shortages and about droughts over the years. Given the current dry weather cli- mate observed throughout the United States this summer and the renewed interest in water depletion and shortages, I felt the time was appropriate to revisit this controversial topic. Historically, the western region of the United States has experienced the most frequent and severe droughts. But much of the eastern seaboard, especially the New England states, have also recently participated in the drought cycle. During my career of 40-plus years, I have seen and worked through numerous "official" droughts as well as too many to count so-called water shortages. A drought, as defined by Webster, is simply "a long period of low rainfall." However, by using that definition almost any summer in the western states could be defined as a drought. But for all practical purposes, a drought to us in the water well business is really several months or even years of less than normal precipitation that results in surface water and groundwater shortages and dry or low-producing wells. Obviously, to those of us in this business a drought is gen- erally defined as "a period of time that leads to increased work without necessarily receiving more money, resulting in more hours away from home." The purpose then of this month's column is to suggest ways to deal with and survive not just droughts, but water shortages in general. While many of the following tips and suggestions will obviously be more applicable and valid for the western states, I hope readers who work and live in other regions can also benefit. Just what is a drought? A drought can and does mean different things to different people. To those of us in the water well industry, it usually means a period of time resulting in dry or low-producing wells and failing pumps—often months or even years beyond the actual event. To most hydrologists and water scientists, it often means low stream flows and decreased surface water supply. Obviously, both parties are correct since a prolonged drought will generally affect both groundwater and surface water supplies to some degree. The fortunate advantage to groundwater in many regions of the U.S. is generally due to an aquifer's ability to usually retain at least a marginal volume of stored water which can provide a continual water supply even during a prolonged shortage to most homes—although often at a decreased yield due to loss of head or volume. Typically, a surface water supply is totally dependent on local runoff and available storage to sustain water supply. Once those are gone or compromised, the water supply to homes is usually not far behind. The key, therefore, to an efficient groundwater supply is to strike a reasonable balance between adequate well depth and construction method, cost, and storage. The water well contractor, drawing upon his or her many years of experience, must be cognizant and knowledgeable of the local areas with historically low-producing or dry wells when conversing with new or repeat customers. They must be ready to risk entirely losing a job by recommending additional well depth or a well screen with enhanced development, if necessary, to ensure the best chance of sustaining water sup- ply to the customer even during a prolonged water shortage. The ultimate service to a customer is performed when a well of adequate quantity and fixable quality is drilled in an area known to produce marginal wells—and continues to serve the customer even while neighboring wells are going dry. Providing services such as this to all your customers will pay dividends long after the mast has been lowered and the pump is installed. Another way to properly service a customer during droughts is by using advanced water locating and surveying techniques. While many drillers have a natural aversion against using any scientific processes, many of the newer technologies, such as aerial surveying and seismological locating, are known to be helpful in locating even hidden groundwater supplies, especially when used by knowledge- able and experienced personnel. Even though these surveys may be expensive and the long-term results cannot be guaranteed, the technology is adequately proven to use in areas with questionable or uncertain groundwater resources, especially when planning new commercial, municipal, or industrial wells. ED BUTTS, PE, CPI ENGINEERING YOUR BUSINESS ENGINEERING continues on page 54 A properly designed water system should be able to provide an entire day's water supply in a two-hour period. DROUGHTS: A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY? Taking care of your customer will pay dividends long after the mast has been lowered and the pump is installed. 52 October 2015 WWJ waterwelljournal.com