Water Well Journal

January 2016

Water Well Journal

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In this ISSUE W elcome to the 70th volume of Water Well Journal. We begin 2016 with a January issue focusing on well maintenance. Freelance writer Jennifer Strawn covers what to do when those "My well system isn't performing like it used to" calls come in the feature story "Cleaning It Up Is Hard to Do" on page 18. She details how to determine when a well rehabilitation is needed and how to select the right chemicals to get the job done. The article is divided into the four steps that are needed to aid the well system. First is diagnosing the problem which is followed by choosing the right chemical. The third step is using the chemical and the final one is preventing recurring problems. Strawn states the first step takes a bit of detective work as it is critical to gather as much information as you can about the well and the water quality before you begin the rehabilitation process. Author Michael J. Schnieders, PG, PH-GW, contributes a feature story titled "Tracking Well Health." Beginning on page 22, it goes over some characteristics to evaluate in well systems so you can be ready to treat the system before there is a significant impact. Schnieders points out some changes may be seasonal, but others can signal more dynamic influences that require action. He goes over some of the common water chemistry parameters useful in evaluating well health—pH, total dissolved solids and conductivity, oxidation reduction potential, hardness, iron, and microbial presence. The January issue also brings a new column for the new year to the journal. "Drawing from the Well" by Gary Shawver, MGWC, debuts this month and will focus on issues relating to job sites for water well drillers. Shawver has been in the water well industry for 40 years, is a Master Groundwater Contractor, and served on the National Ground Water Association's Board of Directors. His first column is titled "A Focus on Planning and Efficiency" and begins on page 30. It details the need to be as efficient as possi- ble because profit margins are getting narrower. He goes over how he prepared written job plans for every job at his firm to prevent surprises that eat away at productivity. Shawver also provides tips to increase efficiency, such as including diesel engine and hydraulic tank pre-heaters that start up prior to arriving on a job site and load- ing materials on trucks in what order they will be needed at the site. The latest installment of Safety Matters by Gary Ganson, CIH, CSP, covers the important subject of fires and explosions at a job site. Titled "Fire and Explosion Precautions During Drilling" and beginning on page 32, it points out how your company's safety program must address fire and explosion hazards. Ganson goes over potential ignition and explosion sources before explaining the importance of ensuring your company has job safety analysis and job hazard assess- ment programs. They evaluate each step of a task for potential hazards, everything from tripping to the potential for a fire or an explosion. They also develop specific practices as procedures to either minimize the hazard or, if possible, eliminate it altogether. On a lighter note, WWJ looks at the new major motion picture, The 33, which recounts the successful rescue of 33 Chilean miners in 2010. WWJ Editor Thad Plumley and Copy Editor Wayne Beatty took in the movie and discuss in "At the Movies" on page 26 how the movie handled the role of water well drillers and others from the industry who played a part in the rescue. A sidebar by WWJ Senior Editor Mike Price talks with Jeff Hart about his impression of the movie. Hart was the lead driller in the successful rescue and is shown in the movie as played by longtime actor James Brolin. Disclaimer Water Well Journal and the National Ground Water Association provide information for guid- ance and information purposes only. This publi- cation is not intended to provide investment, tax, or legal advice. The information contained herein has been compiled from sources deemed reliable and it is accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief; however, Water Well Journal and the National Ground Water Association cannot guarantee as to its accuracy, completeness, and validity and cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions. All information contained herein should be independently verified and confirmed. Water Well Journal and the National Ground Water Association do not accept any liability for any loss or damage howsoever caused in reliance upon such information. Reader agrees to assume all risk resulting from the application of any of the information provided by Water Well Journal and the National Ground Water Association. Trademarks and copyrights mentioned within Water Well Journal are the ownership of their respective companies. The names of products and services presented are used only in an edu- cational fashion and to the benefit of the trade- mark and copyright owner, with no intention of infringing on trademarks or copyrights. No endorsement of any third-party products or services is expressed or implied by any infor- mation, material, or content referred to in the Water Well Journal. Subscriptions/Back Issues For questions, changes or problems with your subscription call Carol Clark. Subscriptions: Water well contractors and other qualified groundwater industry personnel in U.S. and Canada — free; others in U.S. and Canada — $115 per year; $15 per copy. International: $150 per year; $35 per copy. Subscriptions available through NGWA offices only. We re- serve the right to refuse subscriptions to any- one not directly engaged in the groundwater industry. Claims for missing issues must be made in writing within three months of publi- cation and will be subject to the availability of back issues. Advertising Disclaimer Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for all content (including text, repre- sentation, and illustrations) of advertisements printed and also assume responsibility for any claims arising therefrom made against the pub- lisher. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising that it believes is not in keeping with the publication's standards or is deemed unsuitable or misleading. Michael J. Schnieders, PG, PH-GW Gary Shawver, MGWC Jennifer Strawn Twitter @WaterWellJournl WWJ January 2016 7

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