Water Well Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/617280
isms, and the presence of larger biologi- cal components. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing is a more accurate and advanced means of quantifying the total bacterial population within a water sample. Heterotrophic plate counts (HPC), while helpful, are better suited for more investigative testing. Fluctuations in microbial population levels can reflect the influence of oxygen, nutrients, or changes in flow, indicative of well fouling. Anaerobic growth is a good indicator of microbial maturity, and as such, may reflect impacted or other influence on the well and near-well aquifer interface. If you are aware of particular problems occurring, testing for a specific organ- ism is recommended. For example, if a strong rotten-egg odor has been re- ported, you should test for the presence of sulfate-reducing bacteria. A simple microscopic evaluation can identify the presence of larger microor- ganisms such as Protozoa or biological components such as algae, which can reflect external influence on the well or aquifer system. Additionally, micro- scopic evaluation can assist in identify- ing the presence of sediment within the well such as sand, clay, or silt. Slight changes in each of these tests can represent some manner of change occurring downhole. Fluctuations in iron, TDS, and ORP, coupled with in- creases in ATP, may represent a possible casing breach. Recognizing the potential of problems such as these early can allow for more proactive maintenance as opposed to a run to failure mindset. This short list of tests is designed as a means of evaluating a well's health. While by no means a substitute for a thorough chemical and microbiological examination, changes in these parame- ters can help identify problems before they become more substantial. When coupled with regular pump tests, site visits, and periodic evaluation of the produced water treatment, they can help to extend the operational life of a well and reduce the need for more costly and evasive treatment efforts. Michael J. Schnieders, PG, PH-GW, is the president and principal hydro- geologist at Water Systems Engineering Inc. in Ottawa, Kansas. He has an extensive background in groundwater geochemistry, geomicrobiology, and water resource investigation and manage- ment. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of fouled wells and potable water systems. He can be reached at mschnieders @h2osystems.com. DACUM Codes To help meet your professional needs, this article covers skills and competen- cies found in DACUM charts for drillers and pump installers. DO refers to the drilling chart and PI represents the pumps chart. The letter and number immediately following is the skill on the chart covered by the article. This article covers: DOF-2 More information on DACUM and the charts are available at www.NGWA.org. WWJ Twitter @WaterWellJournl WWJ January 2016 25 ma or of inf ealth A w tion a A m NGW anseld M rill Ki D e 2004 member sinc xas e , Te d tional erna t n ng I e t b ind out wha F e o a w ess t c and gain ac A memb ough NGW WA membership hr T " ma or of inf em g/M A.or NGWA.or er of N eing a memb " tion." ma or ealth of inf t o da y up t e sta , w bership tion a ership • 800 551 mb o or y an do f for y A c NGW WA c y est industr t e with the la t 1.7379 • 614 898.7 ou! t elopmen s and dev y new The Groundwater A NGWA 7791 Association , ts A SM A